Disclaimer: I don’t own Naruto or the characters and I make no money from it.
AN: I want to thank Carousel for the review! :D
Chapter Two
**Day One**
Naruto followed Sasuke as he grabbed a file from his desk and led the way into the interview room. The security guard looked up as the two detectives entered and sat down. He was sitting calmly in his chair, giving off an air of utter boredom. Sasuke instantly disliked the man.
“Mizuki, was it?” Sasuke asked, leaning back in his chair and staring at the man coldly.
“Yes.” He replied, glaring at the raven haired detective.
“Can you tell us what alerted you to the body?” Sasuke asked.
“The druggies across the street came running out. The woman was screaming bloody murder about a dead body, so I went to investigate. I found him there, face down and dead. I called the police and you showed up.”
“You didn’t see anything out of the ordinary before that?” Naruto asked softly, but Mizuki only glared harsher at the blonde.
“Nothing.”
“So you never saw the Senator’s arrival?” Sasuke asked.
“No. It’s a crack house and it was going to be torn down. It was hardly worth my time to stand around and watch the comings and goings.”
“So you never saw the taxi?”
“What taxi? I told you already that I wasn’t watching the street!”
“Than what were you watching?”
“The monitors behind the front desk, I was watching the hallways for anything out of place.”
“I’m curious about something and you can blame it on my big city living, but why would there be a high end apartment that required a security guard right across the street from a known crack house?” Naruto asked, leaning forward in his chair.
“I can actually answer that for you,
dobe.” Sasuke scoffed, causing Naruto to growl at the insult. “That city block is in the process of being revitalized, a way to get the big city people into the area. They started with the apartment building and spent a considerably large amount of money to fix it up.”
“That’s why I was hired. I am to insure the tenant’s safety as they worked on fixing up the other buildings.”
“But you left your post to stand guard over the Senator’s body, why?” Naruto asked curiously.
“Who else was going to do it? Who else would want to guard it?”
“Indeed, but did you know that once you found the body and informed the police that you were no longer responsible for looking after the body? Yet, you stayed; abandoning your post at the same time?”
“I was trying to be helpful in keeping the crime scene secure.” Mizuki snarled.
“I get what you’re getting at
dobe. We’ll have to check that out.” Sasuke muttered.
“I am missing something?” Mizuki demanded, his beady eyes flitting from one detective to the other.
“It is nothing to concern you about, yet. We need you to sign at the bottom of this paper. It’s your official statement from yesterday, you just need to read through it and if you have something to add we can document it.”
Ten minutes later Naruto and Sasuke exited the room, releasing Mizuki, who was glad to be gone. “Something was off about him.” Naruto grimaced, watching the guard’s retreating back.
“Whatever, dobe.”
“Why do you keep calling me that?”
“Hn.”
“You’re such a bastard.” Naruto growled.
“Hn.”
“How did it go with the security guard?” Kakashi asked, joining them from the other interview room five minutes later. Narutos eyes followed the two druggies as they made their way out of the precinct, before working their way back to the signed document in his hands.
“There is nothing new to report about yesterday, he never saw the taxi or the Senator’s arrival.” Sasuke stated. “But I do want to check in about any robberies that could have happened while the guard was distracted with the body.”
“Interesting theory, but do you really think that someone murdered just to rob an apartment.” Kakashi asked.
“No, but then anyone with half a brain could have used the distraction as an opportunity to do a bit of thieving.” Shikamaru offered, intrigued by the idea.
“The only problem is that no one has come forward to report anything missing; and we can’t go door to door asking. There must be over a hundred apartments.” Kakashi muttered.
“Yes, but if there was a burglary it wouldn’t be too long before someone noticed something missing. Why don’t you contact the building superintendent and have them notify the tenants?”
“That is a good idea, Naruto. I’ll get on that later.”
“So how did it go with you and the riff-raff?” Sasuke asked, taking a seat in his chair.
“How can you be such a bastard? Just because they suffer from an addiction doesn’t mean they’re riff-raff.” Naruto asked in offended shock. He knew firsthand what an addiction could do to a man, that’s why he was always willing to give them a second chance.
“Right dobe.” Sasuke scoffed. He couldn’t; wouldn’t believe that they weren’t trash, the lowliest of society. He’d also witnessed firsthand what addiction could do to a person so it was no wonder that he felt this way. He would not compromise his opinion on this.
“How can you be so jaded; and will you stop calling me that?!”
“Hn.”
“What the hell is your problem?!”
“I have no problem, dobe.”
“The hell you don’t and stop calling me that!”
“No.”
“Bastard!”
“Wow, really clever comeback, dobe.”
“Whatever,
teme.” Naruto snarled.
“What did you just call me?!” Sasuke snarled in outrage, leaning forward in his chair.
“You heard me!” Naruto growled when Sasuke shot from his chair, getting up into his face. But this didn’t have the menacing effect Sasuke was looking for. Instead, heat pooled elsewhere when Naruto challenged back, getting into the Uchiha’s face and standing his ground. Sasuke was thrilled by the display and it only solidified his want for the blonde man.
“Both of you enough!” Kakashi reprimanded, gently. “The witnesses didn’t have much more to offer than what was already filed, but they are in the process of withdrawal. We can re-interview them in a few days when they are more lucid. Now we need to go talk to the former owner of that building, it’s unclear at the moment if he knew the Senator or not. Sasuke, you and Shikamaru can talk to him. Naruto, if you don’t mind tagging along with me? We have another person to question, but first we need to find him. Can you get an address for a Zabuza Momochi?”
“Hn.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.” Naruto muttered, sending Sasuke a glare as he passed. He took a seat at the desk, flipped the computer on and in five minutes; Naruto not only had an address, but a phone number, and his place of business.
“Impressive, that’s faster than I remember it being.” Kakashi stated. “That would have taken us hours to get all that information a few years ago. It still takes us hours to get all the information we need, actually; but then we didn’t have a murder to handle. Shall we be on our way then?” Naruto nodded in agreement as he followed Kakashi out to his car, slightly impressed by the silver Volvo.
“What the hell do you call that?” Sasuke demanded staring at the orange monstrosity of a truck parked beside his Mercedes. Naruto whipped around to see where the Uchiha was looking, his face falling into a glare when he saw that it was his own truck.
“What does it look like, teme. It’s a truck and it is mine.” Naruto glared.
“That is not a truck, that is a beast, and what the hell is up with the foxes?!” He asked, spying the foxy license plate and fox plushy in the front window, not to mention what looked like a fox pendant hanging from his rearview mirror; was that the nine-tails from legend?
“You leave Kyuu out of this! I don’t have to explain anything to you; and you’re one to talk! What the hell do you call that?!”
“It’s called a Mercedes, dobe. It is better than your…” Sasuke wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Can you even call it a truck?”
“Bastard!” Naruto yelled, ready to beat the raven to a pulp for insulting his baby: the truck that once belonged to his mother, the truck that he slaved over to salvage and turn into his own. All that was left was to get it re-painted.
He was seized by Kakashi as Shikamaru stated clearly: “Calm down, Naruto.”
“It’s my truck!” He ground out like a toddler having a temper tantrum.
“Yes, and it is very special to you. No doubt, Uchiha’s car is important to him, too.”
“Whatever.” He ground out. “My truck would eat his car for dinner.”
“Hn, if it could catch it, dobe.”
“Whatever, teme.” He grumbled in capitulation. Kakashi released him with a sigh and nodded to the other two to get going. They broke off, making their way to interview the former owner of the property as Naruto and Kakashi went elsewhere.
~CALM~
Naruto knocked gently on the door, waiting for an answer. The entire car ride had been made in silence and it was beginning to take its toll on Naruto. Kakashi smiled behind his turtleneck as he stared at the young detective, still trying to place where he could have seen him. Nothing was coming to mind, but he still couldn’t shake that déjà vu feeling.
Naruto tried not to feel uncomfortable by the flagrant staring. He rocked back and forth on his heels staring at the white-washed door that matched the beautiful sage color of the house. He snapped to attention when the door was opened by a long haired youth. Naruto smiled brightly. “Hi, is this the home of a Zabuza Momochi?”
“It is.”
“Is he available to speak with us, miss?” Kakashi asked, taking over the questioning.
“May I ask who is inquiring?” The youth replied, wiping their hands on a towel.
“I’m Lieutenant Hatake and this is my partner Detective…”
“You can call me Naruto.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Zabuza is on a job at the moment and won’t be back until later tonight.”
“It’s important that we speak with him as soon as possible, miss. Are you able to call him or do you know where he is working at?” Kakashi asked.
“He doesn’t carry a cell, but I can give you the address if it’s that important. Is he in any kind of trouble?” The worry was palpable on the youth’s face, their tiny hands wringing the towel nervously.
“No, it’s nothing like that. We just need his expertise about a place he worked on.” Kakashi answered.
“You’ll find him on Waterfall Ave. I don’t have the exact address, but you can’t miss him. Trust me, when you see him you will know him.” They murmured, deflating with relief.
“Thank you, miss...?”
“Haku Yuki.” Kakashi nodded and smiled, turning to leave.
“You should know Lieutenant that I’m a Mr. and certainly not a miss.” Haku laughed.
“My apologies.” Kakashi muttered, covering his shock effectively.
“It happens all the time.” The boy stated and made his way back inside the house.
“So, what is it that we want to talk to him about anyway?” Naruto asked, slipping into the passenger’s seat. He was determined to make chit-chat...anything to avoid the silence that allowed him to think too much on things that he really didn’t want to think about.
“The two witnesses remembered seeing Mr. Momochi inside the building just a week ago when they were purchasing. I want to know what he was doing there and who sent him.”
“I see.”
Ten minutes later Kakashi was parking his car on Waterfall Ave. and staring at the tall man standing next to a pick-up truck painted in camouflage colors. He certainly understood now what the young man meant by they’d know him when they saw him. He stuck out like a sore thumb at 6’1”.
“Zabuza Momochi?” Kakashi asked. He strolled right up to the guy as if he knew him for years, while Naruto hung back a bit, reading the fresh text he just received. He frowned and sent a reply, focusing back on the man they were questioning.
“Who’s asking?” He demanded grabbing a pile of 2x4’s from the bed of his truck and making his way over to another pile. He dropped the wood planks and walked back to the truck.
“Lieutenant Hatake with the Konoha PD. We just have a few questions about a building you did some estimates on last week.”
“Which building? I write estimates for many people; I wrote at least six last week.” He ground out, taking the defensive.
“The building on Sage Ave.; it was to be torn down today?”
“The one the Senator was murdered in?”
“That would be the one.” Naruto stated hollowly.
“Hmm. I wasn’t contracted by the Senator, if that is what you want to know. I was only in the building once and never saw him there.”
“Thank you for saving me the trouble of asking those questions, so who contracted you then?” Kakashi smiled.
“The Mayor.” He growled in distaste.
“Why?” Kakashi asked, slightly shocked.
“He just wanted some estimates: how much it would cost to fix it up, could it be done; things along that line. If you have been inside you know it is beyond repair and that is exactly what I told him. It was better to tear it down and rebuild. He was dissatisfied about that fact and refused to pay me for my services.” Zabuza muttered darkly.
“Were you aware that the building was seized for imminent domain when you were hired for the estimates?”
“Yes, but he seemed intent on trying to fix it up. I told him it would cost too much, more than it would take to rebuild it, but he didn’t want to hear it. He was very angry about it as I recall.”
“Do you have those estimates by chance?”
Zabuza grunted and stalked to the driver’s side of his truck. He wrenched the door open and rifled through a stack of papers on the seat. He extracted a bundle and handed it to the lieutenant without a word. “I performed a survey of the area as well. Like I said, the building is junk and better to be torn down.” He repeated.
“Thank you.” Kakashi muttered, sticking his nose into the file immediately and walking back to the car. Naruto turned and finally addressed the giant man.
“If you want to fill out a police report for the money you are owed, please come by the precinct. You should be paid, regardless of the dissatisfaction of the Mayor.”
Zabuza stared incredulously at the blonde detective, before donning a hard look. “Why bother.” He grumbled.
“Because you should be paid for the job you performed. I’ll help you if you decide to pursue this.” Naruto smiled.
“We’ll see.” Zabuza growled and pulled another stack of 2x4’s from the bed to add to the pile. Naruto turned to follow Kakashi without another word, oblivious to the curious look Zabuza was shooting him.
~CALM~
Sasuke was in a foul mood when Kakashi and Naruto made their way back to the precinct. They had gotten nowhere with the former owner, he had even been unaware of the fact that the Mayor had hired a contractor to perform an estimate on the crumbling building. He seemed to care nothing about the building he let fall apart and seemed to care even less that someone had been murdered inside. He didn’t even care that it had been a Senator of Konohagakure.
“What a waste.” Sasuke snarled.
“He clearly never wanted the building and couldn’t be bothered to sell it either. Inaction always seems to get the better of people. Out of sight out of mind.” Shikamaru stated, staring at Naruto as he exited the car and walked up to them.
He smiled at Shikamaru to show that he was fine, but the pain still lingered. Shikamaru could see that pain in those blue eyes, causing him to sigh in uselessness. He knew how much this was hurting Naruto and yet there wasn’t anything he could do to stop that hurt. He couldn’t rid him of the dark cloud of unbearable sadness that had descended on him, only time could do that.
“How did it go on your end or do I really need to ask?” Kakashi asked.
“Hn...It was a fool’s errand.” Sasuke snarled, taking the steps two at a time. “He wasn’t aware of anything to do with the property after it was seized. Useless man.”
“As to be expected from the person who let his property decay.” Kakashi stated in disgust. “We spoke with Zabuza Momochi and he was contracted to offer estimates on the property. The Mayor wanted to know how much it would cost to fix it up, which would exceed the value of tearing down and rebuilding.”
“So we need to speak with the Mayor next?” Sasuke asked as he strolled over to his desk and sat down.
“I will have Tsunade request an interview with him…” Kakashi muttered distractedly, watching the group piled around the new updated computer database. Tenten looked up to catch Kakashi staring and immediately vacated her position in front of the screen. It was instantly filled by Temari, who had no problem with Kakashi’s staring, blatantly disregarding it.
“Like kids in a candy store.” He sighed exasperatedly, but a smile turned his hidden lips.
“Let them play.” Naruto laughed. “It’s better that they get used to using it. They can’t really do anything to it, anyway.”
“I think we should call it a day and get some dinner. There’s not much we can do at the moment; give me a sec.” Kakashi stated as he made his way to chief Tsunade’s office. Naruto watched her nod in agreement with Kakashi’s request. She looked up and stared directly at him, concern flashing through her eyes.
Naruto inwardly sighed. No one believed him when he said that he was fine. Why didn’t they trust his judgment? He knew himself better than anyone could and if he said he was fine, than he was fine; so they could save their worry for someone who needed it.
“We’ll check into the hotel after dinner, Naru.”
“That sounds fine.” Naruto agreed, smiling at Shikamaru. Sasuke couldn’t help the pang he felt in his stomach as the blonde smiled wide. It lit up his entire face and radiated his surroundings; and Sasuke had never seen anything like it before. He wanted to be the one receiving such a smile, especially with the dobe beneath him, panting from the......
Sasuke snapped out of his wayward thoughts as Kakashi rejoined them and led them to a small diner across the street. ‘Choji’s Grill’ was the name and Naruto’s stomach growled in anticipation of a good meal.
~CALM~
Naruto leaned into the faux marble countertop as Shikamaru talked to the concierge of the hotel. He was resolutely trying to clear up a mistake made, one that seemed to distress Shikamaru considerably. Instead of the room having two twin beds, it housed one queen bed. Naruto didn’t see the problem, but Shikamaru had been adamant that they have separate beds.
“It’s not a problem, Shika.” Naruto muttered, turning to smile at the frowning brunette. The concierge shot them a furtive glance before continuing his work, it wasn’t his business what guests did in the privacy of their rooms.
“You wouldn’t have a problem with it, but I already told you that we needed to be professional at all times.”
“What we do in the privacy of our room shouldn’t reflect at all on our professionalism.” He teased.
“Naruto.”
“Shika!” Naruto mimicked, earning a frown. “I get it, ok. I just don’t see a problem with it, but since it matters to you I’ll respect your wishes. There’s no reason to get huffy about it.”
“Thank you.” Shikamaru sighed, leaning on his hand as he stared at the back of the computer monitor, the concierge clicking away on the keyboard.
“So what do you think of them?” Naruto asked softly.
“They’re fine enough to work with.” He stated, turning his brown eyes on his blonde friend.
“Kakashi is exactly how the old man said he would be.” He smiled.
“Yes, his experience is a boon. It would be in our best interest to learn what he has to offer. You’re never too good to learn.”
“He was staring at me, though.” Naruto stated distractedly. “It was kind of creepy.”
“He wasn’t the only one whose attention was caught by you.”
“What does that mean, Shika?” Naruto asked, frowning.
“Exactly what I said; you caught their eye.”
Naruto grimaced at his partner, not sure about believing him. He had looked at everyone and hadn’t noticed anyone staring except for Kakashi. “They probably thought it was weird that we’re so young.”
“You keep on believing that, Naru. Just keep your distance from Uchiha and that Neji. I don’t trust them.”
“It will be kind of hard to keep distance between me and that teme considering we’ll be working together.” He laughed.
“Watch your back, Naru. They’re bad news.” Shikamaru warned.
“I will.” He conceded.
“All done and again we apologize for the mix up.” The man stated handing over two room keys. “Your room is 922, just head down that hallway.”
“Thank you.” Naruto muttered and headed off down the hallway with Shikamaru idling behind him.
He pushed the door open and stumbled inside, dropping his bag on the nearest bed. “Troublesome.” Shikamaru muttered and pushed the door closed behind them, chaining the lock and turning the deadbolt. He laid down on the bed closest to the window, staring at the closed curtain in disdain. Naruto exhaled and made his way to the window, throwing open the curtains. Shikamaru mumbled his appreciation and stared at the clouds swirling around at twilight.
“You and your damn clouds!” Naruto grumbled and made his way towards the bathroom. Shikamaru just rolled his eyes and stared out the window. “Would you care to join me tonight, it’s a much better view?” Naruto threw over his shoulder.
“Not tonight.” Shikamaru whispered.
“Your loss.” Naruto replied. He closed the door and started the water flowing. Shikamaru sighed and told himself not to give into temptation; but with Naruto and the images his mind conjured that was a difficult task.
~CALM~
Sasuke pulled into his driveway and noted the man leaning against his house, arms crossed and a smirk adorning his visage. He exited quickly and glared at him as he passed, pulling keys out to open his door. He was seized around the arm and slammed against the house as Neji whispered in his ear.
“I will have him, Uchiha, so back off!”
“I don’t think so, Hyuga.” Sasuke snarled and pushed him away from him.
“So you think one dinner is enough to get him into your bed?”
“Do you see him with me now?”
“No, which is encouraging for me?” Neji laughed, pushing away from the smaller man. “I will have him.”
“We’ll see, Hyuga, we’ll see.” Sasuke taunted watching him retreat to his own car. He shoved his keys into his lock and turned, thrusting the door open with a push.
Sasuke flipped his light on and pushed the door shut with a snap. He locked it before leaning against his kitchen counter. He growled and slammed his palms against the marble. He hadn’t expected to be attracted to one of them! It changed everything for him now. He couldn’t just push them aside like he had intended.
Sasuke snarled and wrenched his fridge open. He grabbed the first thing he could get his hands on, a can of beer. He popped the tab and took a chug, cursing himself for getting off on the wrong foot with the blonde. Usually he was calm and collected, able to woo anyone into his bed by charm and good looks alone; but he had insulted his target instead! He didn’t stand a chance, but he wasn’t going to let that Hyuga win either. He would not beat him in this! If he couldn’t have him no one would!*
~CALM~
**Day Two**
Naruto stretched out under the covers before snuggling further into the fabric of his bed. He released a big yawn and reached out for his phone to see if he had any messages during the night. He blinked at the bright LCD screen as he pulled it under the covers towards him. He frowned at the lack of calls; usually Jiraiya left at least four drunken messages when he was away on business...
Narutos eyes shot wide in shock, his stomach plummeted, and his heart clenched painfully. He had forgotten for one moment that Jiraiya had died. He sat up on the bed and stared at the darkened screen of his phone. His hand shook and tears threatened to fall as he felt his heart fall to pieces again. He couldn’t claim that he was fine now, because he didn’t feel fine...
“Naru?” Shikamaru asked sleepily, sitting up and staring at him with worry.
Donning an air of levity he turned a smiling face to his friend only for it to fall. Shikamaru would see right through it anyway, so why was he hiding it?
“I forgot.” He whispered sadly, turning to stare at his silent phone. Shikamaru was at his side in a second and Naruto would have laughed at how fast he moved if his heart wasn’t breaking into millions of fragments.
“It’s ok, Naru…”
“No, it isn’t.” Naruto ground out, trying to pull away. He was tired of hearing that statement! Shikamaru pulled him down to the bed, leaning over him. Without thinking he brought his lips to pink, plump ones. Naruto reacted all too quickly and all too willing, even letting Shikamaru explore his mouth. He groaned and fisted hair as his throbbing cock was rubbed vigorously by the man towering over him. He loved that feeling and reciprocated it on his dark-haired friend.
“Shika…” Naruto moaned, grinding into the hand squeezing at his bulge. He was feeling so good, better than he had felt in three days; but then it was gone as suddenly as it had started. Naruto whined at the loss, blinking dazedly and gasping for breath.
Shikamaru stood up hurriedly and moved to the bathroom cursing himself for his stupidity. He had gotten caught up in what he called the ‘Naruto Effect’ and that was a major problem. He had sworn after the last time that he wouldn’t do it anymore, that he wouldn’t hurt Naruto that way. He promised Jiraiya that he wouldn’t. He cursed himself again, feeling the throbbing between his legs ache for relief. Sliding his hands down his sleep pants he gripped himself firmly, tugging at the turgid flesh.
He let out a heady moan and gripped the wall for support, continuing to stroke himself. Blue eyes and blonde hair swam behind his closed eyes and he felt a wave of shame for using the image of his best friend to get him off. He could feel himself getting close and with one final tug, released into his hand with a huff.
Shikamaru sat down on the edge of the tub, panting for breath, and staring at his sticky hand. The only thought going through his rebellious mind was that Naruto would have done it better. Standing up on shaky legs, he hurriedly washed his hands and stripped. He made sure to run the shower on cold to avoid another early morning problems.
~CALM~
Fifteen minutes later he stepped out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel to cover him. He eyed his partner wearily as he sat on the end of his bed, completely ready for the day ahead. He walked passed Naruto without a word and towards his suitcase to dress.
“I’ll be done shortly if you want to go down for breakfast?” Shikamaru stated.
“Are you afraid that I’ll jump you if I see you any more naked?” Naruto asked coldly.
Shikamaru forced himself not to turn and defend himself, focusing on his clothes instead. “I’m sorry for what happened…”
“Not as sorry as I am.” Naruto growled and exited the room without another word. Shikamaru exhaled and dressed quickly. He caught up with Naruto at the precinct, where Kakashi and Sasuke were waiting for them outside.
“If you haven’t eaten yet, how about getting breakfast?” Kakashi smiled in greeting.
“That sounds delicious.” Naruto agreed readily, unconsciously pulling away from Shikamaru.
Once again they found themselves at Choji’s Grill being hailed by Choji, the owner, for their continued patronage. Naruto scooted in to the booth followed quickly by Sasuke leaving Shikamaru to frown and sit next to Kakashi, who seemed avidly interested in their little drama.
“Tsunade said the Mayor will be available to talk with us in the afternoon, which doesn’t leave us much to do this morning, except running the bullet to see if it gives us a hit. The CSI’s will give us the report once it is done.”
“That won’t take long to do.” Naruto stated. His stomach gurgled as his food was placed in front of him, pancakes with sausages and eggs. He reached out for the syrup and felt a hand close around his. Blue eyes turned to stare at onyx before the hand was pulled away as if burned. Naruto fought down the butterflies in his stomach at the contact.
“Go ahead.” Naruto offered trying not to focus on the tingling feeling running along his hand. Sasuke reached out and poured some syrup on his own plate before drizzling some on Naruto’s plate. Shikamarus eyes narrowed as he watched the tableau play out before him and he didn’t like it one bit. Kakashi could only smirk knowingly. “Thanks.” Naruto blushed.
“Hn, you’re welcome.” Sasuke muttered.
The rest of breakfast passed in awkwardness between the two, neither willing to look at the other. Shikamaru couldn’t be happier about the silence, convinced the longer the silence lasted the better. Completely sated they paid their bill and made their way back towards the precinct.
Tsunade was lying in wait for them as they finally walked in. “It’s about time you showed up.” She snapped. “You two will be going back to Konohagakure in two days. Your presence has been requested for the funeral.”
“Oh.” Naruto muttered, fighting back emptiness he felt creeping inside.
“You’ll have the entire day off, but I expect you back here the next day to continue with the investigation.”
“We understand.” Shikamaru stated, his eyes fleeting across Naruto’s stiff posture before snapping back towards Chief Tsunade. The two shared a knowing glance before she turned towards her office, throwing an order over her shoulder.
“Kakashi, my office.” Kakashi strode forward and shut the door behind him. “These are the evidence sheets; Iruka dropped by while you were out.” She stated, taking a seat behind her desk. “I took the liberty of reading over them and reporting to Chief Sarutobi. There wasn’t anything to find on the clothing and the bullet turned up nothing in the registry.”
“This isn’t helpful.” Kakashi drawled. He hid himself behind the file handed to him, reading over the new reports in earnest.
“You’ll be in charge while I’m attending the funeral.” Tsunade stated matter-of-factly, diverting the flow of the conversation.
“I would expect nothing less; why do you think I followed you here ten years ago?”
“So many things have changed since then. I left the city to get away from the constant crime only to have it land on my doorstep in a big way.”
“I know he was your friend and we have the best detectives working on solving this for him...”
“There are no better.” She whispered, staring at the mop of blonde hair as he retreated outside. Kakashi turned to stare still trying to place this Naruto
Uzumaki. He knew he knew him from somewhere! He just couldn’t remember from where.
~CALM~
Naruto retreated from the precinct as fast as he possibly could without arousing suspicion from the teme or anyone else for that matter. He rushed down the steps and out into the crisp autumn air gasping for breath as the nausea overwhelmed him. He leaned against the red brick and stared at the sky, his hand coming up to rub at his neck. The sky that was normally blue was instead littered with grey clouds and threatened rain. Over all a dreary day.
“Are you ok?” Naruto snapped his head in the direction of the voice, his heart hammering in his chest at the sudden shock. His pulse calmed considerably when he recognized the speaker.
“I’m fine, thanks….umm, Neji right?”
“That is correct, Neji Hyuga.” He smiled, stalking forward. “Is something bothering you, Naruto?”
Naruto snorted and drew in a shaky breath. “The Senator’s funeral is in two days.”
“You seem really saddened by that fact, did you know him personally?” Neji asked, eyes narrowing slightly with suspicion.
“Not really.” Naruto muttered, only answering half the question. The truth was, he wasn’t saddened by Jiraiya’s passing he was devastated by it; but Neji didn’t need to know that. It was even better that he didn’t, or so the old man told him. “It’s just the fact that someone that I really admired was murdered by a cold-blooded coward. I just got a little overwhelmed by it I guess.” He laughed slightly trying to brush it off.
“That is understandable.” Neji stated, completely fooled. They stood in silence for a bit, just staring around until it was broken by the curious Hyuga. “So how is the investigation progressing? Are you getting along with the lieutenant and Uchiha?”
“Fine, everything is fine.”
“Uchiha isn’t giving you any problems?” Neji asked slyly.
Naruto turned to stare him in the eye, trying to determine where the Hyuga was going with this. “Should he be?”
Neji smirked in satisfaction. He would have the blonde in his bed in no time. He moved to tower over Naruto, trapping him between his arms and the brick of the small precinct. “A little word of caution then, Uchiha cares nothing of anyone or anything but himself and his family name. Watch your back, this case is the most important thing to him and he won’t care who he tramples over to solve it. You can’t rely on him.”
Naruto seemed lost in thought at the Hyugas words and with a shake stared into pale eyes. They really were a curious shade, but they had nothing on the teme’s. “Thanks for the warning, but I don’t need it. I’m a pretty good judge of character and don’t worry; this case is the most important thing to me too.” Naruto stated. He pushed off the wall and passed the Hyuga, making his way back inside.
“He wants you, you know.” Neji called. Naruto turned back to look at him, head cocked to the side. “He will do whatever it takes to get you in his bed.”
“He can try, that doesn’t mean I’ll fall for it.” He stated, before climbing the stairs inside. Neji smirked triumphantly at those words, already feeling his victory within his grasp.
~CALM~
“Did you get lost, dobe?” Sasuke smirked as Naruto graced them with his presence.
“I was just cloud gazing.” He laughed, shooting Shikamaru a reassuring smile. He couldn’t let his friend worry too much over him...he didn’t want to be responsible for the coronary Shikamaru was likely to have if he had to worry any more than he already did.
“Here is the report from the evidence collected at the scene.” Sasuke stated, handing over the file. Naruto reached out and grabbed it, his fingertips brushing Sasuke’s innocently. He felt tiny little sparks alight on his skin at the contact before it was pulled away, leaving a manila folder in its wake.
Naruto took a seat as he read over every detail, which wasn’t much in his opinion. “Do you have a diagram of the building?” He asked suddenly, his brow furrowing.
“Is there something that I missed?” Kakashi asked, pulling a file with the requested information.
“No, I just wanted a visual of what I was reading.” He muttered, grabbing the file offered to him. He stared intently at the diagram, studying it. “There are three floors, but evidence was only collected in the one room?”
“No, the entire first floor was catalogued. There was no evidence showing that they needed to focus on the higher levels, but it was given a look through to be sure.” Kakashi offered.
“So, it was once a restaurant...does it appear strange to you that it became a crack house?”
“It was rarely used as a crack house per se. It was where the junkies went for their next score, but it has been known to house those too eager for their next hit. The damage you see in the pictures actually came from squatters, which was a minor problem a few years ago and what really spurred the
Revitalization Project. This is Konoha’s attempt to come out of the darks ages, so to speak.”
Naruto smiled slightly and leaned back in his chair continuing to look at the layout of the crime scene. He could feel something off about it, something that was nagging at him, but he couldn’t determine what. He was definitely missing something.
He was interrupted in his musings as a short man in a business suit and dark glasses, surrounded by no less than five guards strolled into the precinct. Kakashi frowned at the forceful display just as Sasuke snorted in derision. “He’s early.”
“Tsunade will not be happy about this.” Kakashi agreed, watching the woman leave her office and confront the Mayor.
“You’re early.” She snarled.
“I had a bit of free time that I wasn’t expecting.” The Mayor stated unaffected.
“Then you should have called and informed me that you were on your way.” She snapped.
“I felt there was no need. This should be more than enough notice, unless your precinct isn’t prepared for me?” He chuckled oily preparing to turn around and leave.
“We are more than prepared for you, Gato.” Naruto replied with a wide smile, placing the file back on the desk.
The Mayor turned to stare at the blonde, a look of shock crossing his face before falling into a mask of pure loathing and contempt.
“I should have known you would worm your way into the investigation.” He spat. “I should have expected no less from the likes of you!”
“I didn’t worm my way into anything, Gato. I was trusted by Chief Sarutobi with something as important as this.”
“That man is a fool!” Gato snapped.
“That fool is my old Sensei and Chief of the Konohagakure Federal Police.” Tsunade snarled. “He deserves respect!”
“He’s an old fool that needs to retire. His choices as of late have been lack-luster at best! How can you defend that fool when he let ‘
him’ become a Federal Officer?!” Gato swelled with anger as he pointed a stubby finger at Naruto.
“Naruto is the best detective Konohagakure has.” Shikamaru drawled, his brown eyes narrowing dangerously and crackling like a coal newly lit.
“I don’t care if he is the best; he has no business being a Federal Officer!”
“That is not up to you to decide!” Tsunade barked.
“I’m leaving!”
“Not until you answer our questions!”
“You cannot hold me here Tsunade!” Gato vented, turning red from his swelled anger.
“It’s Chief Tsunade and do not make me get a court order, Gato.” She threatened. “What will your constituent’s think about this; their Mayor failing to comply in a Federal investigation of a murdered Senator who was beloved by all?”
“Is that a threat?!” He hissed.
“Take it as you will.” Tsunade growled, her honey eyes crackling dangerously. She was prepared for a fight.
The Mayor growled as he waddled his way into the interview room followed by his entourage. Shikamaru shot Naruto a quick glance before making his way into the room, Kakashi bringing up the rear.
“What the hell just happened?” Kiba asked. He focused on the fuming blonde who had his arms crossed and was glaring at the closed door. “You know him personally, Naruto?”
“Unfortunately, I do.” Naruto deadpanned. “I’ll apologize now, but I’m the reason you ended up with him as your Mayor.” Shock rippled through the small precinct wanting to know how that was even possible.
“Do you care to explain?” Ino asked.
“Let’s just say that I am responsible for his political demise in Konohagakure. After I got through with him this was all he was fit for; if even that.”
“What does that mean?!” Kiba asked in curiosity.
Naruto laughed sourly, but didn’t elaborate no matter how much he was begged. His eyes caught onyx and his stomach clenched. He swallowed thickly at the smoldering look, maybe there was some truth to what this Neji told him. Before he could utter a word to Sasuke, though, Gato stormed from the interview room, the five men following swiftly behind.
“Did you get all that?” Kakashi asked, as Shikamaru turned the recorder off.
“Yes.”
“Good because he is definitely hiding something about that property.”
“What was his excuse?” Sasuke asked curiously.
“He denied everything, of course.”
“Hn. I told you he was crooked.”
“That is just conjecture, Sasuke.” Kakashi sighed scratching at his cheek.
“Oh, but it is absolutely correct.” Naruto agreed readily. Sasuke felt a surging twinge in his stomach, elated that Naruto was taking his side. Now if only he could work his Uchiha charms on the unsuspecting blonde, he would have him panting...! Sasuke stopped his immoral imaginings abruptly. He didn’t need to be thinking about that sort of thing at this hour of the day.
“We don’t know that as fact.” Kakashi sighed again.
“I do. All you need to do is see his file to know that he is. Don’t try though!” Naruto warned, just a Kiba moved to do just that. “His records are sealed, but I can tell you for certain that you won’t have to deal with him as your Mayor for much longer.”
“How do you know this?” Kiba asked.
“We’re federal officers and we’ve been building a case against him for years. I’m going to let Chief Sarutobi know of this, so he can add it to the file.” Shikamaru stated cryptically.
~CALM~
Naruto and Shikamaru bid Kakashi and Sasuke good night as they made the short trek to their hotel, enjoying the brisk night air as it hit them in the face. Kakashi grinned behind his mask and followed them down the stairs leaving Sasuke in the silent room waiting for Temari to show. He didn’t have to wait long for his reprieve and made his way outside. Unlocking his car he made his way forward, glaring at the man just exiting his own car. He was intent on ignoring him, but Neji had other ideas. “Uchiha!” He laughed out.
“Hyuga.” Sasuke spat.
“My, my, you must be losing your prowess. It looks like once again Naruto will not be warming your bed.”
“I’ve lost nothing, Hyuga.” He snarled, forcing his car door open harshly.
“Putting on a brave face; how noble of you.” Neji mocked. “Just admit it already; Naruto wants nothing to do with you or your bed.”
“There are more important things than getting someone in your bed, Hyuga. There is a dead Senator if you haven’t seen the news.”
“You crack me up, Uchiha. If you don’t have the balls to pursue a man like Naruto don’t blame me when he falls willingly into my bed.” Neji laughed. Sasuke clenched his fists painfully and grit his teeth.
“So you think you’ve won because he isn’t leaving with me?” Sasuke demanded.
“Oh, I know I’ve won. He wants nothing to do with you.” The Hyuga laughed. He loved how easily he could rile Sasuke up.
“And he told you this?”
“Yes.” More laughter emitted from the long-haired brunette.
“Hn.” Sasuke growled. He could barely contain his anger as he got in his car and gripped the steering wheel tightly, turning his knuckles white. Had Naruto actually said that? They had gotten off on the wrong foot, but to go so far as to say that he wanted nothing to do with him? Was that even possible? It couldn’t be! He was Uchiha and Uchiha’s always got what they wanted, regardless! He would have to show the blonde just who he belonged to!**
~CALM~
Naruto went to bed that night thinking of the funeral in less than two days’ time. He felt numb at the thought, unable to believe that he would have to bury the only parental figure he ever knew. It was too soon, he was taken from him too soon. He couldn’t, he couldn’t do it! Tears threatened to fall as he re-lived that morning. He had been too intent on getting everything ready for his day off that he completely brushed Jiraiya off, barely noticing that the man that raised him since he was four was leaving on business.
Naruto’s heart clenched painfully, wishing that he could have that moment back; that he could do everything differently. If he had only known that it would have been the last time that he would see Jiraiya he would have told him how much he loved him; that he was grateful for everything that he had done for him... he would have said goodbye.
