Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or it's characters and I make no profit.
Chapter Three
**DAY THREE**
Naruto stretched out on his bed relaxing stiff muscles from the confines of his sleep. He stared blearily at the sleeping form of Shikamaru, before his face lit up in pure deviousness. He slinked from his bed and landed on the carpet on all fours, readying himself to pounce his unsuspecting friend. With a leap that would make any deer envious, he landed on the bed trapping his friend beneath him. Shikamaru jerked awake at the sudden attack.
“Wha…” He groaned out. He looked up to see Naruto’s grinning features towering over him. “Naruto?”
“Yes, Shikamaru?” Naruto asked coyly.
“Is there a reason why you just woke me by jumping on me like a wild beast?”
“No.” He laughed.
“Get off.” Shikamaru grumbled.
“Is that an offer?” Naruto asked, bending down to lick the shell of Shikamaru’s ear. A shuddered wracked his body and his skin flushed at the feeling of Naruto’s teeth grazing along his neck, nipping and licking his skin.
“Naruto…We’re not doing this.” He moaned.
“But you enjoy it.” The blonde teased, nipping at his collarbone. A shivered raced through Shikamaru’s body and he felt himself rise at the ministrations. He felt himself falling into the Naruto Effect and for once he didn’t want to stop himself…until he conjured a memory in his rebellious mind of Jiraiya threatening him with dismemberment. He groaned out, squeezing his eyes tight when Naruto reached for his aching member. He had to stop this now!
“Naru... Nar……Naruto...NO! Why do you always do this?!” Shikamaru demanded and pushed Naruto away. This was too close for comfort for him. He promised he wasn’t going to do this anymore, no matter what! He felt disgusted with himself for letting Naruto get to him so easily.
Naruto sat back on the bed, releasing him from his grasp. Hurt flashed across his baby blue eyes as he fiddled with his thumbs. “Why do you suddenly have a problem with it?” His voice broke as he asked causing Shikamaru’s stomach to clench. Sweat rolled from his temple and he felt his throat constricting. He couldn’t explain it to Naruto.
“Naruto, I...” He stalled, causing Naruto to grit his teeth in annoyance at the lack of response.
“Save it Shikamaru! I get it; you don’t want me anymore.”
“I never said that!”
“You’re not saying anything at all!”
“We can’t do this.” Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his palms in his eyes.
“Why are you refusing me?” Naruto asked in desperation.
“Naruto, you don’t need to do this…” He started to reach out for him only to have Naruto growl and bat his hand away.
“Fuck off, Shikamaru.”
He stalked off to the bathroom in frustration, closing the door quietly and turning the lock. Shikamaru could only stare in shock at the door Naruto retreated behind. He shouldn’t have been too stunned by the reaction he received, but he was. He just had to keep telling himself that it was better for Naruto, better for his happiness.
Shikamaru slid from his bed and pulled at the zipper of his suitcase, peeking at the closed door. He pulled out fresh clothing and quickly changed, throwing his dirty clothes in a pile to be washed. He turned around when he heard the click of the lock and stared at his best friend.
“I’m sorry for what I said.” Naruto muttered dejectedly. “I will keep my hands to myself from now on.”
“Naru…” Shikamaru started, but a lump rose in his throat and he couldn’t speak.
“What do we have planned for today?” Naruto asked trying to change the subject quickly, something they were both thankful for.
“I don’t think there is much. We still have to track down the cabby and we’re waiting for any reports of robbery at the apartment complex.”
“Right.” Naruto nodded, pulling on his sneakers.
~CALM~
The walk to the precinct was made in better spirits than Shikamaru had hoped for after the events of that morning. Once again they were met by Kakashi and Sasuke outside, this time take-out clutched in their grasps. Naruto bounded forward enthusiastically, staring ravenously at the bag Sasuke was offering him. He reached out and grabbed it, their hands brushing again and sending tingles racing up his arm.
Sasuke suppressed a shiver that wanted to race down his spine at the warm contact from the dobe. He did however allow a small smile to grace his features before it was whipped away for another decade of dormancy. Kakashi smirked at what he witnessed, his eyes traveling over to gauge Shikamaru’s reaction. His smirk broadened when he saw the jealousy flash through his eyes. He was enjoying the little soap opera playing out before his very eyes. It was more entertaining than his most cherished book that he had to keep locked away from that devil woman!
“We have a light load today. The evidence just isn’t where we need it to be.” Kakashi stated, leading the way up the stairs. Naruto bounced up in higher spirits and plopped down at the Uchiha’s desk, stealing his seat in the process. Sasuke frowned and dragged another chair over taking up residence next to the blonde. “We’re still waiting for word about the cabby and I think it is time that we put it out on the news that we are looking for him.”
Shikamaru nodded staring intently at the close proximity of his friend to the raven detective. They were almost touching and Naruto was completely oblivious! How dense could he be? Why wasn’t he heeding his warning? Shikamaru looked up to see that the Hyuga was looking at them a little too interestedly, his pale eyes focused on Naruto specifically. He would have to keep an even closer eye on him too.
“Then I’ll just inform the Chief so she can set everything up.” Kakashi laughed watching them and marveling at how Naruto was completely oblivious to the attention he was receiving from the men in the room. Out of the corner of his eye he could still see Neji eyeing the blonde in hunger. He inwardly sighed hoping Naruto was strong enough to withstand two stubborn and forceful men vying for his body. He stood up, loathe to leave such entertainment and made his way to Tsunade’s office. She looked up as he entered, pausing her pen over the paper she was putting ink too.
“I want to release the cabby to the news, hopefully flush him out.” Kakashi asked.
“You think it is the only way to find him?”
Kakashi nodded as she looked back at her paper and floated the pen into connected loops, listening closely to his reasoning. “It is the fastest way. I don’t like just sitting around and doing nothing, waiting for clues to cross my desk.”
“I will release it with the noon news and with any luck he will turn up.” She nodded and pulled over another paper that required her signature.
“Thank you.” Kakashi nodded, turning to leave.
“Kakashi?” Tsunade asked.
“Yes?”
“Shut the door for a moment.” She asked and nodded towards a seat. Kakashi took up the offered chair and stared at her, waiting. “How do you think they are doing?”
“I think they are doing fine, nothing short of what we expected from the best Federal Detectives Chief Sarutobi could send us.”
“And Sasuke?”
Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to evaluate where she was getting at. “He is doing fine; thriving in fact. But that should have been obvious with whom his father was.”
“How well is he getting along with them, especially Naruto? Are they still clashing?”
“They get along well enough and it appears to be a friendly rivalry, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.”
“If Sakura returns from maternity leave I’m going to recommend her and Sasuke to Chief Sarutobi.” She stated. Kakashi leaned back in his chair, rubbing at his covered chin in thought. He couldn’t dispute the fact that Sakura and Sasuke would do very well with a federal position.
“And Neji?”
“He still has much to learn, but I will recommend him as well in time.”
“That doesn’t leave us much.”
“There will always be detectives available to replace them. I have six new applicants looking for employment right here.” She muttered, tapping the pile to the right of her desk. “I’m advancing Kiba into the Konohagakure K-9 unit in a month’s time so I need to hire a new detective immediately.”
“Kiba will be happy with the promotion.”
“Yes. He will be a wonderful asset to them, just as he has been to us.”
“So, who were you looking at to replace them?” Tsunade slid the stack over to Kakashi, who leaned back to read over the résumé’s.
~CALM~
“Tell me, teme, why you decided to be a detective?” Naruto asked, shoving food into his mouth.
“Hn.” Sasuke replied, but he felt a warming sensation in the pit of his stomach that had nothing to do with wanting to bed the dobe. What the hell was coming over him?
“Come on? Tell me?” Naruto whined, pouting over his egg sandwich.
“Why did you want to be a detective?” Sasuke countered wanting to know about him too. He took the moment to eye the blonde, not bothering to mask the want in his eyes.
Naruto froze; his mouth opened to receive another bite of his sandwich. His jaw snapped shut and his eyes lowered in thought. “It is where I need to be because I have unfinished business.”
“Unfinished business?”
“Yeah, it’s something that I’ve been carrying with me for a few years. I can’t let it go until I get closure.”
“I can understand that.” Sasuke admitted darkly.
“You have unfinished business too?” Naruto asked in curiosity.
“You can say that, dobe.”
“Do you want any help?” Naruto asked tentatively.
“Hn...” Sasuke grunted, but he couldn’t stop the wheels from turning. He was actually entertaining the notion of accepting the help when his thoughts were interrupted by a ringing in his pocket.
“Hello?” He ground out. Another voice was heard over the line, but they couldn’t make out what was being said.
“What?” Sasuke asked, trying to comprehend the jumble of words. “Lee, calm… …calm…Lee… calm… If you don’t calm down right now and speak clearly I am hanging up!”
“What a bastard.” Naruto whispered staring at his raven partner, but he couldn’t fight down the fire pooling in the pit of his stomach. He looked sexy to Naruto when he was exerting his authority and that thought scared him.
“When...? I see, let me know when.” Sasuke drawled and ended the call.
“Is there a problem?” Kakashi asked just reemerging from the Chief’s office.
“Sakura is in labor.”
“Really?!” Temari and Ino squealed.
“Yes.” Sasuke drawled. “Lee will let us know when she has the baby. We can visit her then.”
Neji pulled out his phone and called up Tenten and Shino, relaying the happy news. Kiba jumped up in excitement and pulled out a small notebook from his back pocket. Temari and Ino were next to him in seconds pulling money from their pockets. Naruto craned his neck that way, suddenly interested. Kiba looked up to notice his staring and his face lit in a devious smile.
“Care to wager, Naruto?”
“What are the terms?”
“How long Sakura will be in labor, what time the baby is born, and if it is a boy or a girl. You can bet on all three, or two, or even one. Are you up for it; minimum $5.00 down?”
“Sure.” Naruto agreed and pulled Kiba into a corner. Shikamaru sighed and shook his head in annoyance.
“I have one condition.” Naruto whispered to Kiba once he was out of earshot. “The bet that I make, keep it secret.”
“Why?” Kiba asked, frowning.
“I’ll give you $20 bucks right now for your discretion; if you agree?”
“Deal!” Kiba agreed, tugging the $20 from his tan grasp.
“Good, now here is my wager… … …”
~CALM~
Neji followed Naruto everywhere he went in the small precinct as he and Kiba gathered things for a small celebration. He couldn’t stop looking at him with his sapphire eyes and sunny blonde hair, his slight build and short stature, and tan skin everywhere the eye could see. He looked exotic and untamable. Neji licked his lips at the thought of how wild Naruto would be in bed. He wanted to make his move real soon, but hadn’t found a moment alone with him. Everyone was interested in him and Shikamaru and they refused to give them a moment’s peace.
Finally sensing a chance when Naruto exited the room, he followed stealthily behind, watching as he went for his targets bodyguard. Seeing that Shikamaru was nowhere around he made his way outside and met up with his prey. He stopped, entranced by the sight of Naruto’s ass swinging in the air as he rummaged in his truck for something hidden below the steering wheel. Ten seconds later Naruto emerged in triumphant glee, holding his phone charger like a newly awarded trophy. His blue eyes widened a fraction as he noticed the pale eyes staring in awe at him.
“Speechless?” Naruto asked, leaning against the door of his truck. His eyes crackled with mischief and he felt like toying a bit with the Hyuga.
“Huh?” Neji asked stupidly, shaking his head to release the spell Naruto had on him.
“Are you attracted to me?” Naruto whispered innocently.
“What?”
“Neji, are you attracted to me?” He laughed, having fun at reducing the regal Hyuga to a babbling toddler.
“Yes.” Neji breathlessly replied. He cringed in embarrassment at how eager he sounded. This was not how he wanted to make his move, but he’d be damned if it hadn’t been awhile since he had a man in his bed. He was too damn eager for this.
“Hmm, it’s a shame.” He replied, eyeing the brunette up and down. “You look like the type that doesn’t take well to being on the bottom and I always top. Such a pity.” Naruto clucked in disappointment, shaking his head for emphasis.
“I’ve bottomed before.” Neji muttered eagerly. He felt himself getting hard at the teasing and he wanted that sweet release. He wanted to cum inside the blonde desperately, now if possible.
“No, it wouldn’t work. Even now you’re thinking of pounding vigorously into me, ignoring what I just said about never bottoming.” He replied perceptively.
“So you’re saying I have no shot?” Neji asked, realizing that he had just been shot down. The thought was almost inconceivable!
“Exactly.”
“Yet you would sleep with your own partner?” He growled in frustration anger rippling through his voice.
Narutos eyes narrowed no longer in the playing mood. “You have no right to know what I do or do not do with Shikamaru. I have given you my answer and I will not change my mind about it.”
“So you choose Uchiha over me?” Neji sneered.
“I already told you that he can try, that doesn’t mean he will succeed.” Naruto snapped.
“But you’re giving him a chance. You should know he won’t bottom for you. He won’t even entertain the notion, no matter how much he may like you.”
“Wow, such bitterness, Neji. Are you sure I am the one you want or am I proxy for another? If you want to fuck Sasuke so bad, just ask him.”
“You seem so confident that that is what I want. I will state this clearly; I want you! Whatever I had with Uchiha is over! It has been for quite some time.”
“Are you sure of that? Maybe you only want me because you knew Sasuke was instantly interested. You see, you all think that I am so stupid; that I don’t realize the attention that I receive. I just choose to ignore it. I can’t believe that you want me for me and not because you are aching for Sasuke. So I will tell you this only once, I will not be in the middle of some sexually charged feud between the two of you.” Naruto growled and pushed passed the Hyuga.
Without warning Neji reached out and grasped a tan arm. He was thrown against his orange monstrosity and his lips sealed in a passionate kiss before he knew what had happened. His immediate thought was to struggle his very instincts screaming at him to fight back, but the touches turned gentle as hands wound their way up his arms, to his neck, passed his cheek; coming to rest at the back of his head. When Naruto was finally released he felt weak in the knees and panting for breath; clutching the side of his truck for support.
“I may want to be fucked by Sasuke again, but trust me when I say that I am truly interested in you. Give me a shot and let me fuck you. You won’t regret it.” Neji whispered hot breath fanning over a tanned neck and causing shivers to ripple over his body.
Naruto shuddered at the thought, but shook his head. “I won’t lie down for anyone.”
“Anyone?” Neji asked grinding his leg against Naruto’s considerable bulge.
“You’re not the one.” Naruto moaned out, his mind supplying him with a dark haired onyx eyed detective. Just when did he decide that he wanted the teme? Neji continued to grind against him, feeling heat radiating through the jeans of the blonde in his arms. It was an intoxicating feeling for the Hyuga.
“Give me a shot.” Neji begged seductively, nipping at a tan earlobe. Naruto purred at the feeling, his hands coming to rest against Neji’s chest. Oh, how he really wanted this, but he couldn’t. It didn’t feel right to him...those onyx eyes!
“I can’t.” Naruto whispered sadly, pushing Neji gently away. “I can’t.”
Neji backed away catching his breath. For a minute Naruto thought that Neji was going to strike him, his eyes displaying an unbelievable amount of anger, before it disappeared just as suddenly as it came. “I understand.” He muttered dejectedly.
“I’m sorry, really, really sorry.” Naruto stated sadly, rubbing at his brow.
“It’s ok. I had to try, and it didn’t work out.”
“If this had been any other time…”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Naruto. Look, there is a party going on inside…” Neji laughed. “Collect yourself and join us; Sakura is having her baby!” He smiled too wide to be believable. Naruto’s heart clenched, but still the image of dark features swam to the forefront of his thoughts. When had he wanted the teme so badly?!
“I’ll be in shortly.” Naruto replied shakily.
Neji smiled sadly and turned to walk up the steps. He couldn’t fault himself for trying; it was just a shame that he had been rejected and for the Uchiha no less. But that didn’t mean that he couldn’t mess with the Uchiha’s head.
~CALM~
Sasuke flipped over the file he was reading taking a glance at the door Naruto departed from a while ago. He couldn’t help the curious feeling that washed over him. The dobe was only going out for his phone charger. Believing that he may have missed Naruto returning he took a look around the small room, but didn’t spot the blonde anywhere. He narrowed his eyes when he noticed that Hyuga was conspicuously absent as well. Excusing himself on the pretense of using the bathroom, he made his way out to the parking lot looking for a mop of blonde hair. He froze, his blood running cold at the sight before him. Naruto was pinned against his truck, a hot mess as Neji ground into him. He couldn’t believe it, Naruto and Neji?! He had lost…He had lost? How could he lose to Neji?
Numb, he turned and made his way back up the stairs. Shikamaru was just setting up a Shogi board when he made his way back to the desk. “Want to challenge me?” Sasuke asked unconsciously.
Shikamaru looked up from the board and made his first move, Sasuke following. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Neji saunter back inside, looking smug. His hand shook slightly at the sight of him, he didn’t waste any time. He vaguely heard Kiba start avidly taking bets halfway through the game and as soon as Naruto reemerged, Kiba pounced.
Naruto turned to stare at the two, smiling. He pulled out a $20 and placed a bet on Shikamaru, catching everyone’s attention. Anger raced through Sasukes veins unbeknownst to anyone. He should have known Naruto would pick Shikamaru over him, but how could he choose Neji over him?! It just wasn’t possible! He was Uchiha and Uchiha always got what they wanted. He wanted Naruto so why didn’t he have him?! He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that it came as a shock to him when he lost spectacularly to Shikamaru. Laughing, Naruto reaped the rewards, the only one to have bet against Sasuke.
“Sasuke, how could you lose?!” Ino demanded actually crying. Sasuke seethed, feeling slighted by the man that he was attracted too. He hadn’t even given him sympathy for the loss; no it was all about praise for Shikamaru’s win.
“Yes, Uchiha, how could you ‘
lose’?” Neji taunted. Sasuke grit his teeth in annoyance as the blood surged in his ears drowning out everyone and everything but Naruto’s melodic voice.
“I guess you didn’t know this, but Shikamaru is a champion Shogi player. I wouldn’t bet against him for anyone but his own father.” Naruto laughed.
At his breaking point, Sasuke lashed out. “What the hell is your problem, moron?! Is it really that hilarious that I lost? God, are you always this stupid?! I can’t believe this is the best that Konohagakure can offer- an idiot who would rather joke around than actually work! This case will never be solved by the likes of you!”
“What the hell is your problem?!” Shikamaru snapped in the overly silent room, but the damage was already done.
Naruto stood there in shock, unable to understand what had just happened. Were they not playfully betting? He thought that they were getting along just fine? He thought…
“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Naruto muttered confusedly and turned to leave. He made his way quickly down the steps and out to his truck, pealing out of the parking lot without a backwards glance. He didn’t care that Shikamaru was standing next to the door and out of breath, trying to flag him down. He didn’t care that he was running away. He didn’t care about the feelings he was having for… … he just didn’t care anymore!
Shikamaru clenched his fists and stormed back into the precinct, intending to lay into the Uchiha. There was no reason for what he did! To lay into Naruto for absolutely nothing! He stormed right up to the raven and got into his face, snapping venomously at him.
“What the fuck is your problem?! He was only having a little bit of fun, and you have the nerve to speak to him like that!! Do you have any idea how much you just hurt him?! Huh! Speechless I see! I’m warning you, Uchiha! You say anything to him ever again and I will personally see to it that you never make anything of your career; and trust me, I am true to my word.” Shikamaru hissed.
Sasuke refused to show any surprise that Shikamaru was able to figure out that that was what he wanted the most. To make something of himself and restore his family name. It was clear to him that even his family would have been ashamed at how he flew off the handle at someone who didn’t deserve it. He regretted it immediately; his words, once he saw the confusion flash across that beautiful tanned face. He wasn’t really angry at him, but at his loss to Neji and to Shikamaru. It had been Naruto’s misfortune that he had been the closest outlet for Sasuke’s anger. Why did he let Neji get to him like that?!
“From now on you only speak to him when it directly involves the case and you don’t talk to him alone, do you understand?!”
“Yes.” Sasuke ground out. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Neji smirking. He wanted nothing better than to wipe that smug look off his face, but Shikamaru beat him to it.
“And you! You think this is amusing; that my friend and partner were hurt by some stupid feud between the two of you? Don’t think that I don’t see the way you look at him, too!” He snarled. “Stay away from him!” And with that Shikamaru stormed from the precinct to walk back to the hotel a block away, leaving a stunned group behind.
“In my office now, Uchiha!” Tsunade demanded. Sasuke pushed away from the desk and closed the door behind him with an audible click. He would take what he deserved without a fight; he earned what was coming to him.
~CALM~
It was no surprise to Shikamaru that Naruto wasn’t in the hotel room when he arrived. It was pointless, also, to look for his blonde friend when he was in one of these moods. He would turn up as soon as his truck ran out of gas and if he remembered correctly, he only had a quarter left. He shouldn’t be gone too long then.
Shikamaru flipped open his phone and followed the red dot as it drove indiscriminately around the small town. It was times like these that Shikamaru regretted not taking Naruto up on his offer and making that promise to Jiraiya. He could see them happy together and truthfully, that was what he wanted, but he wasn’t who Naruto needed. He had to agree with Jiraiya on that one. He was lacking in so many of the things that Naruto thrived on.
He was aware, too, that Naruto had this amazing ability to make anything work that he puts his mind too. That’s why he had interfered with all of the relationships that Naruto started. Even though his sexual partner’s only wanted a one night stand, Naruto always found a way to get them to give him a shot; male or female. And they always seemed to heat up after a short amount of time. So he had to test Naruto’s relationships to ensure he never got hurt by them.
He would set up the man or woman in question and they fell for it every time. He would confront them with their transgressions and force them to break it off with Naruto. They would always agree, because even though they had cheated, they truly felt something for Naruto. He felt guilty about the duplicity, but not the outcome. He wasn’t going to let anyone drag Naruto down, not even himself.
~CALM~
Day turned to night as Shikamaru laid out on his bed waiting for Naruto’s reappearance. Four hours later, Naruto returned to the hotel room. His eyes were red and swollen and he was shaking from head to toe. Shikamaru sat up on the bed and stared at his friend, waiting.
“He’s gone.” Naruto cried, gripping his hands at his side. “I was so busy that day I didn’t even tell him goodbye and now he’s gone.”
Shikamaru continued to stare, not moving a muscle. He was waiting for Naruto to make the first move; a lesson learned the hard way when he tried to comfort him in Jr. High and received a punch to the gut for his trouble.
Naruto took a shaky step forward and sat down on the end of Shikamaru’s bed. He leaned onto his side and curled up into his lap, continuing to cry. It seemed this was the start of Naruto’s breaking point. Shikamaru was relieved that he was finally letting it out. You could only be strong for so long before you finally broke down.
“He knew Naru, he knew.” Shikamaru soothed. “Just because you didn’t say it that day, doesn’t mean that he didn’t know how you felt.”
“I miss him so much, Shika! It’s not fair. Why, why did it have to be him?”
“I don’t know, but that is what we are here to figure out. We will find who did this and they won’t get away with it. Come on.” Shikamaru beckoned. He slid his way up his bed and patted the space next to him invitingly. Naruto crawled his way up and snuggled against a pillow facing Shikamaru.
“Go to sleep, now, Naru. We have to be back in Konohagakure by eight.” Naruto nodded sadly and slid off to sleep almost instantly, completely exhausted in mind and spirit. Shikamaru stared at him in sadness, wondering how one person’s life could be filled with such tragedy not once, but twice and how another person’s life could be so blessed. It didn’t seem fair, it didn’t seem equal; it just was…and that was what angered him the most.
~CALM~
**Day Four**
Naruto stood in front of the mirror, dressed in his Sunday best, critiquing his appearance. He hated dressing up in something so stuffy, but for Jiraiya he would do it. Shikamaru exited the bathroom behind him fiddling with his tie. Naruto snorted and grabbed it, deftly tying the silk fabric with no problem. “For such a genius you sure are stupid about ties.”
“I think they’re pointless and not worth my time to learn.”
“Of course, that would be too troublesome.” Naruto laughed.
“I’ll drive today if you don’t mind, Naru.” He whispered.
“I’m fine, I can do it.”
“I want to drive.” Shikamaru stated and grabbed the car keys from the dresser. Naruto didn’t argue further; in all honesty he didn’t really feel like it today anyway.
Shikamaru started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, starting on their hour long drive. Naruto had been completely silent and unmoving until they reached the bridge to return to Konohagakure. He started as he looked out over the water and tears gathered at the corners of his eyes. Shikamaru gave him a sideways glance, but Naruto only smiled weakly.
They pulled up outside the funeral home at 7:30 a.m. to see it already packed with countless people. Shikamaru glanced nervously at Naruto, afraid that it would be too much for him. “I’ll be fine, Shika, honest I will. Don’t worry so much.”
“With you that’s all I can do. You feel things so much strongly than others and you don’t cope properly.”
“I’ll be just fine, Shika. This is nothing new to me.” Shikamaru couldn’t argue with that logic and it irritated him. It should be something new to Naruto, in fact, Naruto shouldn’t even be here. He should be at home enjoying his family!
“You let me know if it becomes too much. No one will blame you if you leave early.” Shikamaru frowned.
“You lie; Shikamaru Nara. They would fault me to a ‘tee’ if I left; and I can’t do that to Jiraiya.” Naruto laughed out hollowly.
“I think that Jiraiya would understand, but ok,” He conceded. “Just don’t bottle everything up; at least for today?”
“I won’t.” Naruto acquiesced.
~CALM~
They met up with Chief Sarutobi and Chief Tsunade by the front doors; the two in deep discussion with the director who left to start the services. “Naruto- Shikamaru.” Sarutobi nodded in turn. “Sad day, very sad day; but how are you holding up?”
“I’m doing fine.” Naruto stated, but he couldn’t fool them. They knew how deeply this hurt him, the remaining member of his family ripped from him again.
“I was able to keep the press away on the condition that they were permitted outside the cemetery. You’ll be kept away from them at all times for privacy reasons, of course.”
“I understand.” Naruto nodded, thankful that everything had been arranged for him.
“It is only a temporary fix, Naruto. You will have to give them your answer soon.” Sarutobi stated.
“I know, but I still have some time before then.”
“And what is your choice, if I may ask?”
“You should already know the answer for that, old man. It’s not like I really have much of a choice.”
“But you do have a choice.” Tsunade replied. “You can refuse...”
“And let it go to someone who doesn’t care about helping people and only in it for the money!” Naruto snapped, his eyes blazing. “Don’t tell me I have a choice, when clearly I don’t. I resigned myself to the fact long ago that I would take my mother’s place as Senator and though it is sooner than I had expected, I am still prepared to accept it and perform my duty to the best of my abilities!”
“You’ll be a great Senator, Naruto...” Tsunade whispered, ignoring his little outburst in favor of praise. Today of all days she couldn’t fault him. “And you’ll be an even greater Governor...when the time comes.”
Naruto sagged in defeat, instantly feeling horrible about his emotional display. “I am sorry for my outburst.”
“Don’t apologize. It is certainly understandable, Naruto. You have a lot on your plate at the moment and it is undoubtedly going to cause you considerable stress.” Sarutobi replied.
Naruto nodded as they were ushered inside for the viewing, which seemed to pass by in a blur though it took four hours, and all too soon they were on their way to the cemetery. Car after car made their slow trek through the lined streets of Konohagakure, so many people coming out to mourn their beloved Senator as he passed by in his eternal rest. So many people were crying, but their sadness paled in comparison to the young man sitting in the back of the black limo. True to Chief Sarutobis words, the media lined the streets, trying to get a glimpse of the next Senator. Naruto sighed sadly realizing that this was what he had to look foreword to himself one day.
Once inside the cemetery, with all the cars parked and those chosen few gathered; Naruto was allowed to exit the limo in anonymity. Those permitted inside for the burial were the only ones to know of Naruto’s true identity and were committed to keeping it quiet.
He followed Chief Sarutobi as he led him to the first chair, showing him that was where he was supposed to sit as next of kin. The chaplain began his sermon as sniffles were heard throughout the group, but Naruto sat quietly, not really all together there. His mind was elsewhere, down memory lane to the very first day he met Jiraiya. He had just turned four the day he came to pick him up, his pointed birthday hat askew as he stared at the man that towered over him.
Naruto had been living in a foster home for an entire year since his parent’s disappearance. So he had been surprised that someone had turned up to claim him and that it was his grandfather, whom he had never met before. From the moment they met, Naruto had been unnaturally attached. Jiraiya had promised never to leave him that day, but he had. He left him all alone too soon and Naruto wasn’t ready. He was supposed to die in a hospital from old age like normal people, not be murdered in a rundown building!
His memories drifted towards his teenage years, specifically when he was 13. He felt shame rise up in his gut and tears welled in his eyes. They were horrible words that he yelled at Jiraiya words that he never apologized for uttering. He wanted to take them back now. He wanted to apologize and tell Jiraiya so many things, things that should have been spoken before now, but now he would never get that chance. He just wanted his grandfather back! Was that too much to ask?!
Tears fell freely from his eyes as Naruto focused on the present and the flag folding ceremony. He was handed the folded triangle and saluted before the gathered military officer’s raised their guns in salute and fired. Naruto jumped at the gunshots; tears falling from his eyes like miniature waterfalls, finally mourning properly the only family he had known.
He couldn’t bear to watch the casket being lowered into the ground and covered with soil, so he looked away, gripping the flag tightly in his grasp for comfort. Then it was done and the crowd moved away, making their way to the repast and leaving Naruto alone.
Naruto stood and made his way over to the grave silently, still trying to comprehend why? Why was it deemed necessary for Jiraiya to die like that? What had he done to deserve this? It didn’t make sense to him and that was what caused the greatest amount of pain. It was senseless.
He knelt down by the granite headstone and wiped at his tears. The silence stretched before Naruto was able to whisper out a ‘till we meet again’. He stood up slowly and with one last look at the headstone; walked away. He hadn’t made three paces when he was flanked by Shikamaru.
“Thank you for giving me some space.”
“Of course; I wanted to give you a chance to say goodbye.”
“But, I didn’t say goodbye.” Naruto whispered and walked on ahead of a thoughtful Shikamaru.
