Permission To Seek

Chapter 54 Kimimaro Returns!

Kimimaro poured another cup of tea, gazing at the sleeping Konoha ninja; his eyebrow raised, he laughed lightly, the sound low and joyous. Sasuke stirred again groaning his eyes began to blink reality setting in slowly; the handsome brow furrowed.

“So Sasuke-kun are finally awake, I made you some tea it will help.” Kimi sat opposite a small fire fully dressed, well in his usual Yukata wide pants, crossed leg leaning casually on one elbow, thoroughly amused.

Sasuke sat up slowly his entire body feeling drained very similar to a hang over without the spinning vision. He recognized the effects, caused by severally reduced chakra.

“I thought I killed you.” He glanced over at the smirking Kimimaro.

Grinning he chuckled again, “That is what we call a wet dream, Sasuke-kun. Here drink this it will help.” He poured the Raven a cup of the hot beverage. Sasuke merely blinked at the cup and turned away, staring at his knees.

“This was a mistake, I shouldn’t be here.” He glanced around some of the memory coming back to him. “Haku did this, where is he?” Sasuke continued to fight against the exhaustion, ignoring the tea and scanning the area for his remaining clothing. Wearing only his black tee shirt and pants he located the rest of his belongs in a small pile next to him, his sword on top. Sasuke pulled his shirt over his head trying to ignore the annoying voice in the back of his mind telling him he needed to reconsider his decision.

Kimimaro sat up fully watching the teen dress as quickly as his weakened body would allow. “You can move well after that chakra absorbing freeze, I am impressed.” The dark eyes flicked in his direction so Kimimaro seized the opportunity to make amends. “I apologize for what I did I jumped to the wrong conclusion when I saw you two together; although you can not blame me for presuming the worse.”

“Is that supposed to be an apology? Whatever.” He attempted to stand, however his body buckled so he slumped back to his knees, gasping.

Kimimaro blinked at the defiant scowl. “Well, I can’t say I expected any different reaction. You will need to give your body time to replenish its lost resources; this tea I brewed will help.” He nodded at the disregarded steaming cup. “Haku is keeping watch over us while we recover, so try to relax we could get to know each other better.” Lifting his cup of tea, he smiled warmly at Sasuke’s dark glare.

“Get to know you? You expect me to drink something prepared by a person who tried to kill me?” He sucked his teeth glaring around the area, noticing the area is about ten miles from the market town where he met Haku. “How do I know you aren’t trying to poison me?”

The soft deep laughed caused the dark eye to lock on the white haired Shinobi, narrowing the longer he chuckled. Kimimaro pushed his long fingers through his hair offering Sasuke his genuine smile, the Raven eyebrow began to twitch.

“Still trapped in that wet dream hey, Sasuke-kun. If I wanted to end your life, it would have been easy while you were asleep. I have watched you for sometime now; you sleep silently like our lovely friend, Haku.” The pale green eyes sparkled at him; Sasuke reached down taking the tea and sipping it silently. “So you two have a bond that is very good he has suffered alone for some time now.” Innocent smile in place once more Kimimaro sipped his tea, wondering about this strange teen.

“What did he do to us?” Sasuke did not want to talk but he wanted to understand the technique as much as possible, hopefully well enough to avoid it in the future.

“You’ve made a bond with a man you barely know, it must be true love.” Kimimaro poured them both more tea.

“Don’t say useless things to me, trying to understand how a Jutsu that defeated you works are a basic for any Shinobi. It was some type of water technique do you know anything about it?” He picked up his tea drinking deeply; he could already feel the strong beverage replenishing his chakra.

The older ninja relaxed, leaning on one fist, elbow propped on his knee Sasuke not all bad in his opinion he liked the danger he sensed in the defiant eyes.

“Well, it was water Jutsu, with some of Haku’s blood line limit, creating sub-zero weather in second.” The dark eyes narrowed in frustration, Kimimaro understood, the Sharingan user would not be able to copy Haku’s techniques perfectly. “Yeah, he is that strong, we both had our asses handed to us; I suppose if someone were fast enough they may out run the technique, however, I doubt anyone is that fast.”

Sasuke stared into the crackling fire deep in his own thoughts he stood gathering his gear. “You are heading to the Leaf, I am not we will part ways now.” Starting toward the woods away from Konoha route determined not to see the large brown eyes again.

“He loves you Sasuke-kun, why not stay with him I’m sure he will make you happy.” All he words fell on deaf ears Sasuke continue walking, the next words froze him to the spot. “Itachi is much stronger than all of us combined, why not train with Haku, to develop your bloodline limits at least you will be stronger than your current level.” Kimimaro rose staring at the teens back; he did not want Sasuke to leave without saying good-bye to his friend.

“Good bye.” He walked into the thicker woods he could sense the green eyes following him, but he refused to turn back, killing his brother needed to come before happiness or anything in between. Haku would need to understand.

“So you are sneaking away without a good bye.” The warm mellow voice spoke from behind a large tree Haku step into view. “Where are you going, Uchiha?”

Sasuke stared at the eyes, more than a question in the walnut shape depths wishing he could have avoided this awkward moment. “I have a mission to complete; I can not deviate from this goal. I wish you well have a safe journey.”

Haku stared in silence as Sasuke glided pass him not sparing a second glance, he felt the darkness descending around him pulling him in two directions. Continue toward Konoha a home with the promise of peace or a darker path to certain death and face a dangerous enemy. ‘What can I do? I made a vow.’ “We should at least wait until Kimimaro-san is well enough to continue the journey on his own.” Sasuke stop glaring over his shoulder at the angelic face.

“What are you talking about?”

“Kimimaro has not fully recovered, at most a few more hours will have him well enough to manage without our support, you as well. Uchiha, I told you I would give my life to protect you, I will keep my vow. So if facing your brother is your intention, I will die at your side.” Haku stepped toward his Raven until they stood in front of each other.

Sasuke glowered gritting his teeth, “I won’t die, I will kill and you were never invited to follow me.” He tried to understand his own anxiety at allowing Haku on his journey. Sasuke had considered many possible tactics involving his brother’s demise; he knew a team would be his best option of getting close to Itachi, since he traveled with Akatsuki Sasuke would need some back up. However, the thought of Haku being a human shield, to protect him made his stomach churn.

“You are a stubborn man Uchiha.” Their eyes locked on each other. “You should already know your own limitations. If Kimimaro had been at his full level you would be dead.” Sasuke glared his eyes flashing dangerously. “You are strong, but not where you need to be in order to defeat Itachi; have the advantage before you face someone at his level.”

“Why should I believe you can give me that advantage? I wasted enough time playing ninja games the only way is to face that bastard, kill or be killed trying. Now get out of my way!” Sasuke attempted to walk pass the shorter ninja, his shoulder banging hard against the brunette.

Anger spread across his chest as he narrowed his eyes at the departing dark hair. Haku believed that even after the battle with Kimi Sasuke would still honor the connection they shared. His mind filled with images of the flushed face, submitting to him, the echo of the tenor voice ringing in his ears as he closed the distance between them. Haku landed blocking Sasuke’s path, he grab two handfuls of the dark jacket ready to scream in the ninja’s face, pound him to unconscious and drag him back to the Hidden Leaf. All his words caught in his throat while he stared mutely at his Raven, Sasuke’s hands on his wrist, squeezing them firmly. Haku pulled him in his strong embrace, whispering in his ear, Sasuke wrapped his arms around the ninja shoulder locking himself in the hold; he buried his face in Haku’s shoulder breathing deeply.

Several moments later, the two emerged from the forest edge to see Kimimaro packing up the last of the supplies. Glancing at the dark hair ninja, he smiled at Haku once again admiring the young ninja. “Well, I feel much better can we get started, we may make the Leaf by Sunrise.”

“It’ll be dark soon, shouldn’t we wait until dawn?” Sasuke grouched he found something annoying with the happy tone.

Haku looked at both, and then sighed. “We will start now, at a slow pace until you two feel we can take it a little faster.” Haku wanted to reach the village as quickly as possible; his conversation with Sasuke had him on edge.

Sasuke glared at him then rolled his eyes, heading for the trail, the other two falling in step behind him. His mind raced over his decision, growing a little stronger would give him the advantage, and if he trained with the right people, maybe. The thought gave him hope he would walk away alive after giving that bastard what he deserved.

They traveled several hours in silence covering a good distance. “So Sasuke, feeling full …” Kimimaro said slowly, Sasuke ear twitched. “Of Haku?” The temperature dropped significantly, Sasuke launching himself at Kimimaro. Haku quickly jumped between them, pointing a warning hand at the deadly red glare.

“Sasuke stop!” Haku commanded the Raven poised ready to pounce on the smirking green-eyed Shinobi. Kimimaro had made no move at defense certain Haku would intervene. “Kimi please refrain from vulgar remarks while in our presence.” The green eyes flashed mischievously an innocent smile stretching his face.

“I didn’t realize Sasuke-kun would be so upset by such a remark.” He grinned sweetly, “So we now are both ...”

“Kimimaro I asked you kindly, do not say vulgar remarks in OUR presence.” Haku reinforced, giving his friend a warning look. Then directing his attention on his lover Sasuke glaring accusingly at him, Haku sighed deeply but remained silent. He could tell the Raven would not listen; he would never share the private moments with anyone. Kimimaro knew him well enough to presume and Sasuke’s reaction only confirmed it.

Sasuke turned moving into high gear. “This area has lots of bandits we should take to the trees I feel much better.” He did not wait for his companions leaping into the nearest tree the others following, Sasuke trying to keep enough distance between him and Kimimaro so he would not hear any of his remarks and so he wasn’t tempted to attack him the next time he opened his mouth.

He could smell a fire, someone camping near they would need to deviate their route a battle something he preferred to avoid. He landed on a large oak tree knelling down near the trunk to scan the area. Haku landed next to him also crouching, sniffing the air.

“What should we do?” The brown eyes stared longingly at his Raven’s red eye profile, a deep frown on his brow.

“Good chance they are people we want to avoid…” he stop speaking as several rapid things happen. A tiny red a black bug flew past his eyes and Kimimaro leap deftly over the two crouching ninja heading for the camp sight. “What does he think he’s doing?” Sasuke growled, chasing after the ghostly figure with Haku at his side. Sasuke withdrew his blade, then nodded at Haku as the spilt apart flanking their comrade.

Shino gazed at the blond, his large eyes reflecting the stares above, deep concern on his tan face. “Well, that is why I must avoid killing Kuni-te at all cost, I don’t believe he has harmed anyone. I do not feel he has killed anyone although his crimes are still great. He is a clever man it would not be difficult for him to plant false information.”

“Shino, you said he’s doing all this to put on a show for the citizens, so they will see how valuable the Aburame Clan is, and how strong you are?” Naruto tore his eyes away from the constellations, staring at his star considering. “Why not just let things play out? Your Clan deserves to have the acknowledgement this can bring.” Naruto nodded smiling, which faded when Shino’s eyes darkened.

“Naruto who would be the winner of a fight that has already been decided, would you gamble in a game if they told you from the door you are going to loose? My uncle wants me to kill him in a staged battle to the death, there is nothing rigged about that part, he wants to die, by my hands.” He paused staring at his palms. “I could never do such a thing, especially since his crimes are not deserving of death. It would be a lie to the people of the Leaf to stage a battle, knowing I will be victorious. I will not allow him to have things his way, once I return I will unseat him and take on the position of Head Family Leader. Kuni-te will face a trial and justice for his sins against Konoha.”

Naruto shook his head in disbelief not fully understanding why Shino was looking a gift-horse in the mouth. “Well you could still kick his ass and show the citizens how powerful you are.”

“After I reveal the depths of his crime I wonder if the Clan will be welcome in the Leaf, we may need to leave the region altogether.”

“What!”

Shino sighed deeply Naruto concern helped ease his aching heart. In his mind, there was only one option. “Yes I will make plain the layers of his crime, for the entire council. Once that deed is done, the entire village will have cause to despise us.” The dark frames swept up staring at the stares, an all too familiar darkness filling his heart. Naruto leaned over his shoulder, resting his head against his lover, kissing his cheek.

“I know we shouldn’t but you looked like…” He words cut off as the Chuunin turned pulling him into an embrace and kissing him deeply. Slightly out of breath, his cheeks flushed as Shino eased back, Naruto snickered. “I should have known better than to think you would let me get away with just a peck on the cheek.” He reached up holding Shino’s face, “I wish I had something positive to say. You won’t do this on your own, I will be right at your side. I know you don’t think I’m going to let you have all the good parts.” He snickered as Shino stood.

“Naruto we have company.” He warned sending out a cloud of Kikai to greet the unwanted intruder.

At Shino’s words, the sleeping Jonin jumped up fully awake, ready to beat the hell out of the SOB who disturbed his beauty rest. ‘First I’ll cut off their balls then I start with the interrogation.’ The dangerous ninja got into a flanking position the three making up a large triangle. Morino held eight kunai in both hands ready to strike.

“Wait!” Shino warned as a pale face came into view, but not before the Kikai that led, the way informed the bug lord the identity of their guest. “Kimi.” He said softly, staring at his old friend.

Morino dropped his hands at his side, a vision stepping out of the dark surrounding forest, staring at him with dazzling pale-green eyes. He frowned wondering if this is the real Shinobi, Ki stepping toward him slowly, two other people appearing in his wake. However, Morino focused only on this man gliding over with the hint of a sway, not nearly as relaxed as before his face far more pale than Morino remembered his face stealing his breath. “Stop don’t come any closer. Who are you?” He ignored Shino’s, half turn and silent nod that this is the real person.

Kimimaro stop several yards away his heart would not slow he could not believe the Kikai led him here to his lover, standing in his presence. “Morino you have forgotten, but I will never.” He started toward the scowling male.

“I told you to keep your distance!” Morino snapped he raised a fist still holding the deadly kunai ready to strike.

Kimimaro stopped again this time smiling at his lover anxiety. “Please forgive me my love I was unavoidably detained. I hope this has not been too much of a burden on you.” He felt tears sting the back of his eyes the longer he stared in to the angry hazel glare. He closed his eyes not wanting to look away but needing not to see the pain and anger on the Jonin’s face. “I still…” Before he could complete that sentence, strong arms wrapped around his waist and back his mouth sucked hungrily.

Morino felt the air close in on him, his heart racing out of control the deep taste of Ki’s mouth forcing their short time together to the forefront of his mind. He kissed him harder, deeper squeezing him tighter, in a bone crushing hold.

Barely able to feel the crushing embrace around his own body, his lover clinging to him like a drowning man, for Kimimaro he felt like he was indeed sinking into the abyss of love that took an eternity to recover. With great effort, Kimi placed his hands on Morino’s face pulling the vacuuming mouth off his, just to stare into the Hazel eyes full of sparkling tears.

“You are alive?” He hissed squeezing the light hair ninja tighter, nodding in response to his own question. Kissing every inch of visible skin before racing back to the full lips, neither male took notice to their small audience, staring open mouthed at the reunion. Shino led the others a short distance away, to make introductions without disturbing the two older males.

The two lovers locked in a life altering embracing, both holding on so tight it is apparent neither believed they would be able to stand if they let go. Shuddering finally able to pull back and gaze appraisingly at his lover Kimimaro whispered in a trembling voice. “Morino, you still look as handsome as I remember, I’ve missed you terribly.” He leaned weightlessly into the Jonin his lips bruised by the intense kiss, then he nuzzled his face in Ibiki’s neck, inhaling his scent.

Morino stared at the top of Kimimaro’s head, the world felt as if it were resuming its familiar motion. His lover has returned caring for him in that same capacity. Morino rehearsed thousands words he needed to share with his lost lover, however now his mind lay vacant, details of his life and the things he wanted to share fading out in utter whiteness. The full lips lifted off his shoulder, meeting his mouth in a slow and loving kiss. His mouth sore from their initial kiss, the thought of pulling away the last thing on his mind, he only wanted to tell this man something very important but the details kept slipping out of his grasp. “Ki, I need to tell you something, but I can’t remember.” His voice a baritone horse whisper, he place lighter kisses around the flawless skin.

Kimimaro laughed softly, “I have many things to discuss, but the most important is how much I love you Morino, you saved my life.” His bright eyes darkened slightly pulling his lover into his shoulder and hearing the same words chanted against his ear, as a wet kiss pressed against the surface. Tears flowed slowly done that flawless face, Morino kissing each tear and whispering a gentle message to his lover. All this time Kimimaro feared the Jonin would move on, and not want him just as deeply. Morino made his intentions plain including how they would seal their bond.