Deny

~o0*Part 5*0o~

Sasuke was tired.

Tired, frustrated and horny.

Not that he would admit this freely, let alone let it show on the features of his face or in any of his body language. He was the Hokage and the leader of the Uchiha clan – weakness was not an option.

Maybe he was too proud for his own good.

Naruto had been gone a lot longer then planned. Sasuke had received a frog around the mission deadline telling him that due to unforseen circumstances, Naruto was going to have to stay a little longer to finish up the mission properly. The time-frame that was given was too short and Naruto was unsure of how long completing the mission would actually take.

Of course, Sasuke wanted to kill something, or just go out there and drag the dobe back. There was no doubt in Sasuke’s mind that Naruto was stalling. Maybe the mission needed more time, but Sasuke knew that Naruto was dragging it out longer for his own needs as well.

However, both Ino and Sakura were able to calm him down and said that if Naruto needed the time, give him the time. Pressuring and threatening wasn’t get Sasuke any closer to his goal.

He had to be patient.

I believe we have spoken before on Sasuke’s patience when it comes to Naruto.

Or rather, lack thereof.

Sasuke tapped his pen anxiously on the surface of his desk. He knew he was impatient and probably just a tad too confident with his ‘plan’. Yes, Sakura and Ino were both shaking their heads and muttering to themselves as a few of their close friends helped move Naruto’s furniture into the Uchiha mansion, but Sasuke didn’t want Naruto to ever return to that godforsaken apartment again – one way or another.

Naruto was his. Always was. Even before he became Hokage, Naruto was his. He may now control all the people that resided in the village boundaries – as much as any Hokage could control – but Naruto was his since Team 7 became Team 7.

First Naruto was the village’s idiot, which then was eventually limited to the Team 7's idiot. Then he became Sasuke’s rival, and later, as unlikely as it seemed, Sasuke’s best friend.

Naruto was the bane, yet the light in Sasuke’s life.

Sasuke couldn’t imagine his life without Naruto.

Now Sasuke was the kind that wanted everything he owned in one place – a place he could guard it and have it with him always. He liked to horde his things. Not that he kept them under lock and key, he simply needed them to return to all the same place where he could protect them.

And Naruto had become one of those ‘things’ somewhere along the line whether he knew it or not – or liked it, for that matter.

Of course, ever since Naruto was ambushed in his apartment by a renegade nin little over a year ago, Sasuke was never comfortable with Naruto living there. The nin had been the target on one of Naruto’s missions. Everyone thought he was dead when he fell down the gorge, but he somehow survived and found Naruto’s whereabouts to get his revenge.

Naruto was able to beat him even though he was badly injured from previous mission. The renegade nin was barely alive when Sasuke arrived after hearing the ruckus to find a unconscious Naruto. Pissed, Sasuke promptly decapitated the nin and carried Naruto to the Healers.

No one was happy with Naruto wanting to return to his apartment – especially since he lived all alone with no neighbours that really gave two shits what happened to him – but he remained firm. It was his home since youth and was unwilling to give it up because of one little scare. The apartment had a lot of sentimental value while it seemed to also represent Naruto’s strength and independence. All of which he was unwilling to give up just yet.

To Naruto, giving it up was weakness and he wasn’t going to let the enemies win.

Then again, Naruto didn’t have anywhere else to go and he didn’t want to impose on anyone. Especially not Sasuke and Sakura.

So Sasuke and a few other friends of Naruto’s stayed on Naruto’s couch till he was 100 percent again. No one, especially Sasuke was happy with the arrangement, but trying to change Naruto’s mind was like trying to put on a fire with gasoline. If anything he became more obnoxious and stubborn about the issue with each argument.

Thus now that Sasuke figured Naruto was a hop, skip and jump away from being his in all possible ways, Sasuke wanted Naruto safe. Completely safe. And the first step was making sure Naruto didn’t live alone and was easily solved by Naruto living in the Uchiha mansion.

Neji, Shino and Shikamaru were carefully chosen to help Sasuke with the moving being that there were all discreet and most likely wouldn’t blab anything to anyone. Not to mention, they were least likely to say anything at all about the situation.

Sakura, Ino and Hinata also aided in the moving, mostly with the decorating and arranging, being that Hinata was pregnant and unable to do anything or it at least seemed that way with the limitations Neji placed on her. Hinata simply rolled her eyes and tended to do whatever she pleased within reason anyway – though usually only with Neji was not within visual distance.

Neji was intense to say the least – and head over heels in love to boot.

Yuki, of course, was confused and quite curious. He watched silently as everything happened around him. Observing as Naruto’s things were placed in the east wing of the mansion, it the suite right beside Sasuke’s – Sasuke didn’t want everyone to know his and Naruto’s eventual sleeping arrangements just yet. Sasuke was still secretive enough and didn’t like his business known by all.

Besides, Sasuke didn’t want to rush things . . . too much, that is.

It wasn’t till it was only Sakura and Sasuke that remained that Yuki spoke up. He queried at why Naruto’s things were being moved and why Naruto wasn’t around. Did Naruto know? Was he okay with it? What was going on?

Sasuke found it hard to explain it to his son – mostly because he didn’t have all the answers. So he relied on half-truths under Sakura’s watchful eye. They had both agreed that they would lie as little as the could to their son.
Once Yuki was half-satisfied, Sakura stepped in, all the while smirking at Sasuke’s unease, and diverted Yuki’s attention, simply saying it was a big surprise for his godfather and what he felt about having Ino move in too.

Not that half of Ino’s belonging didn’t already reside in the Uchiha mansion . . .

Yuki was successfully entertained with his mother and left with her in tow, Sasuke sat on Naruto’s bed and finally let all his fears take over. All the what if’s, but’s and maybe’s took over for those few moments until Naruto’s sent wafted to his nose. Suddenly it didn’t matter. Maybe Sasuke was arrogant, but he wasn’t going to let Naruto go and he didn’t want half of Naruto anymore – he wanted it all.

Sasuke smirked as he leaned back in his large desk chair, remembering how he mediated in Naruto’s new room. It helped calm him to be surrounded by everything that was Naruto. Knowing that someday all their belongings, lives and even their very scents would one day be combined and intertwined.

Maybe Sasuke was obsessed, but it was simply a part of being in love.

It was then there was a loud crash and in mere seconds, Sasuke found his back slammed flat against the wall, a cold hand wrapped around his throat and his feet dangling several inches from the floor as his large back desk chair finally connected and bounced on the floor from being toppled over by the force that had him by his neck.

Naruto.

Sasuke didn’t even have to look to see bright gold hair, dark whiskers and feral indigo eyes with crimson that licked at the edges while burning with rage to know who it was. Naruto was one of the only ones – if not the only – that were able to catch him off-guard so well and efficiently.

“ . . . Nar-ru . . to . .” Sasuke was able to gasp out beneath Naruto’s grasp. Sasuke didn’t bother reaching for the hand at his throat and simply placed his palms against the wall to steady himself as he looked down at his teammate.

“Fucking asshole! You are just so fucking arrogant! Just because you’re Hokage doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass!” Naruto snarled, slamming Sasuke into the wall a few times – letting Sasuke’s head bounce off the wall. Dust drifted around them as Sasuke’s head left a round dent in the plaster behind him.

Sasuke simply glared, feeding off Naruto’s anger and not at all impressed with the treatment he was receiving.

With a quick slip, Sasuke spun around, letting his scandaled foot catch Naruto in the neck and slamming a fist into the inside of Naruto’s elbow. Naruto made a noise between a gasp and a growl as they tumbled to the floor.

“What the fuck are you going on about, dobe?” Sasuke asked while he sat on Naruto’s hips and placed his palms on Naruto’s shoulders to keep him down. Sasuke had gained the upper hand even though Naruto’s hand was still wrapped around his pale throat.

“You know exactly what I mean, bastard! All I need to know is where the fuck you put all my shit!” Naruto snarled, letting his fist contract around Sasuke’s throat painfully. Naruto smirked in satisfaction as Sasuke swallowed heavily around the pain, knowing that he have a nice bruise tomorrow.

Sasuke wanted to hit Naruto for his stupidity and Kakashi a couple of times. Kakashi wasn’t supposed to let Naruto enter his apartment – though he never told the perverted nin why because he knew he either be teased, or Kakashi would let it slip to someone . . . mainly Iruka.

Sasuke really didn’t need both of his former sensei on his ass for what he was doing. It was neither of their business.

Besides, Sasuke didn’t answer to anyone – Hokage or not.

Sasuke sighed as Naruto seethed beneath him. This wasn’t working out as he had originally planned. Sasuke had wanted Naruto to come see him, they would talk, him explaining everything and then eventually finish what they started in the woods over 3 months ago. In conclusion, Sasuke was planning on taking him back to ‘their’ home.

“I’m going to let you up and we are going to talk about this. No more fighting because you can barely stand.” Sasuke stated, watching as Naruto adrenalin rush start to waver. Sasuke could see the trembles start to rack Naruto’s body and Sasuke was well aware of the various cuts and bruises that littered Naruto’s body. Not to mention the dark shadows that stained the skin beneath Naruto’s eyes.

It seemed that Naruto had put himself through Hell on his mission.

Naruto didn’t say a word and for a moment didn’t move as he seemed to search Sasuke’s eyes. Sasuke stared right back, letting Naruto search for whatever he needed and inwardly sighed in relief when Naruto started to release Sasuke.

It seemed Naruto found what he wanted.

What, Sasuke wasn’t sure.

Sasuke slithered off Naruto with what most would consider as seductive movements and Sasuke watched as Naruto’s eyes gained a gleam of lust and something a little brighter before a door slammed shut. Once the eyes were shuttered, Naruto shoot up with short and abrupt movements – the bone tired weariness was obvious and Sasuke watched as his teammate flopped himself in a chair across the room.

“So start explaining, asshole. I want to have a shower and sleep sometime tonight.” Naruto growled, leaning back and lifting his chin cockily as if challenging Sasuke.

It was then Sasuke realized that Sakura was right in all accounts. Naruto was more hurt by his actions in the woods rather then understanding what he was trying to convey. Naruto needed to hear the words.

“Your stuff has been removed and placed in the Uchiha mansion.” Sasuke saw watched as Naruto’s body clenched as if to attack him again and was quick to place a ninjutsu to bind Naruto to the chair as well as silence him. “What I have to say, I have to say uninterrupted. Because I know how your patience is – especially at the moment – this is for your own good.” Sasuke sighed, watching as Naruto’s eyes became murderous.

Naruto struggled for a few moments and Sasuke knew that if Naruto was in perfect health, he would be able to throw it off in a few minutes, but being that Naruto was drained and Sasuke had placed quite a bit of chakra in the bindings, Sasuke had an unlimited amount of time.

“What happened it the woods was real. I wanted you and you wanted me. Of that there is no doubt. However, you are unwilling to admit as such because you fear for Sakura. Whether that she will kill you, or you will hurt her, I don’t know. You are denying yourself happiness in place of others, but this time you intent is unwanted and unneeded.” Sasuke said after he up-righted his chair and pushed it so that he could seat himself in front of Naruto. He sat so he was only the barest of inches from the tired nin.

Sasuke observed Naruto with firm, fierce eyes as Naruto struggled in the bindings, his muffled voice still loud even though the ninjutsu remained in place. Sasuke remained motionless as Naruto denied his words and waited till Naruto calmed down once again when it seemed another burst of energy faded.

“Sakura and I are married, yes. But we haven’t acted like a married couple for many years – not long after Yuki was born we ceased to share the martial bed. We made a mistake, but not one that we both completely regret. We are incompatible and it was ludicrous that we ever considered otherwise. But, however, we created Yuki and that is something either of us are unwilling to give up.” Sasuke stopped and watched as Naruto’s eyes frowned in confusion, yet the lingering hurt still remained apparent. Sasuke sighed and rubbed at his forehead before returning his eyes to Naruto’s confused, almost wounded gaze.

“I love Sakura, but not in the way that a husband should. Nor does she love me like a wife should. We love each other like best friends, teammates . . . siblings. When I returned, I was lost and took what she offered because I felt alone and at the time, she seemed like my salvation . . . my redemption.

“Sakura, for her part, was still obsessed with her romantic dream where she placed me as her hero. We placed each other on different pedestals. She was the one to redeem me and I was the one to fulfill her childish dreams.” Sasuke shook his head, his voice monotone – almost cold – as he remembered his foolishness and his unforgivable actions. In reply, Naruto simply dropped his chin to his chest, adverting his gaze.

“Naruto . . . I only went to her because I lost you. I lost you and I refused to loose you to her. I see that now. I had hurt you . . . I hurt you many times and I did it because I needed the power. Feelings and emotions got in the way – you got in my way. I could have to returned and found my power with you, but it wasn’t enough. Nothing was enough.

“But he promised me power and power that could be achieved quickly. I couldn’t live till my brother was dead. Once he was, I could move and live life the way I wanted. But until then, I needed to be alone and find my own way. I couldn’t be vulnerable or have any weaknesses which you and Sakura were. You, Naruto, made me feel and thus made me vulnerable and Itachi wouldn’t hesitate to use that against me. I needed you safe and I needed to be strong.” Sasuke watched as Naruto clenched his eyes shut and tears slipped down the pale, whiskered cheeks.

“Naruto . . . I want you with me always. I should have never pushed you away. There are many things I shouldn’t have done, but in the end, I . . . need you.” Sasuke inwardly kicked himself. He was unable to say the words.

The funny thing was he never said them to Sakura.

He had never spoken the words.

Not once.

Could he now?

Sasuke let the pad of his thumb brush the trails of tears from Naruto’s face. He let his finger trail along the scar that rested between the streaks of whiskers. It was Hell that day, but in that day, he redeemed himself. He had won Naruto back in his life again – back completely rather then the shadow of Naruto he had first received when he returned.

“Look at me, Naruto.” Sasuke commanded, gently and watched as the indigo eyes open. Only they were sky blue, like the ones Naruto had as a child. They were bright with only the indigo resting around the pupil.

The only power that remained within Naruto at the moment was his own. Kyuubi was resting and thus, at the moment, this was Naruto at his fullest.

“You were always my best friend. Even when you put your fist in my chest.” Naruto smirked tiredly. Sasuke snorted, the shock of the eyes washing away as he realized Naruto had thrown off the ninjutsu finally.

Where Naruto found all the energy, Sasuke never knew.

“I don’t deserve it.” Sasuke muttered, a grim smirk gracing his lips. Naruto just smiled a small smile before tentatively reaching for Sasuke.

“But I do.” Naruto murmured as he found Sasuke’s lips, his warm breathe cascading over them before pressing firmly. Sasuke let his arms encircle Naruto and gently pulled the shorter frame closer all the while returning the demanding kiss.

“That I can’t argue with.” Sasuke whispered, holding the weary frame that seemed to slowly and steadily start to wilt. Sasuke could feel Naruto’s chakra falter and knew that Naruto had finally run out.

“I need a bath.” Naruto muttered around a yawn, his voice barely a whisper it was so weak, but the unrelenting command remained. Sasuke knew that Naruto was going to sleep at least a week before he was half the nin he usually was. A long tiring mission with so much emotional baggage, it was no wonder that Naruto could barely walk.

“Just sleep, dobe. I’ll take you to our home.” Sasuke sighed, shifting the now unconscious weight that he had acquired. He watched the small smile on Naruto’s face curve slightly when he spoke the words ‘our home’. “I love you, dobe.” Sasuke murmured affectionately as he gently brushed the unruly locks from Naruto’s face.

Now if he could only say that when he was conscious . . .

“Show’s over.” Sasuke said, his voice louder and firmer as he directed his voice to someone else, but didn’t move or look away from Naruto. There was a slight ruffle of clothing outside the open window before a large, loud sigh was heard.

“I wish you guys would just hurry up and screw already.” Kakashi muttered, his voice carrying the well known pout. His arms were crossed on the ledge as he seemed to dangle from the window. There was of course his favourite book in his grasp as he, by all appearances, was bored with the entire situation.

“Pervert. When – and yes it is when – anything as such happens, you will NOT be around to witness the fact. So go away and fulfill your perverted urges elsewhere. I’m sure Iruka would be more then pleased to aid you.” Sasuke muttered, lifting and adjusting Naruto’s weight so he could freely move as he wished.

“Spoilsport.” Kakashi whined and with a poof of smoke, was gone.

Or at least, seemed to be.

Never knew with the great Copy Nin.

However, following in his former teacher’s footsteps, Sasuke also disappeared with Naruto in his arms in a poof of smoke – one with more of a bluish tinge – leaving the Hokage’s office empty so that only the sound of crickets could be heard echoing in the small room through the open window.


~*TBC*~