Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or it's affiliated characters. I make no money from this work of fiction. I don't own Google, Wikipedia, or Yahoo...I just borrowed them for this story.
Warning: I don't think this should be necessary considering this is an adult site, but I give you sexual explicit content. Enjoy.
Chapter Five
May 25th
Kakashi paced the precinct beyond agitated. On an internal emotional rollercoaster, he'd gone from tense, to agitated, to down-right infuriated in a matter of days. Not that anyone would know that to look at him. The tension came from the fact that it was two days after the expected day and Miss Taki up and vanished without a word. He had tried dialing Miss Taki again to see if any harm had befallen her, but only received her voice mail. He didn't leave a message; instead he tried the bodyguard again, with no such luck. Kakashi was aware that his frequent use of a cell phone would be considered harassment, but he couldn't back down. Not when some ones safety hung in the balance.
At the end of his rope and in a fit of desperation he tried the agency Miss Taki worked for, but was informed that she was on vacation until the following Friday and that they had no way of reaching her. It wasn't out of the ordinary for her to pull such a stunt as leaving her cell at home while being on the beach soaking up the sun in total ignorance. She wasn't always the easiest person to get along with.
He growled in frustration as he repeated his litany, trying to calm his quaking nerves: was she missing, was she on vacation far from here, or was she dead? Was she missing, was she on vacation far from here, or was she dead? Was she missing, was she on vacation far from here, or was she dead? He released a frustrated sigh just as Tenten exclaimed in annoyance across the room.
"Ugh, this is so stupid! How can the coroner not know the cause of death? You’d think it would be obvious!" She tossed the file on her desk with a frown and sat back in her chair. Tenten rubbed at the back of her neck staring at the manila folder. It was mocking her; she knew it was mocking her. She believed that it delighted in knowing that it had her stumped.
"What's wrong Tenten?" Sakura asked as she placed two black coffees on her desk and made her way to Tenten.
"It's this stupid autopsy report from the house fire in Terra. I need to know if it was an accident, a suicide, or a murder. I can’t proceed with the investigation otherwise.”
"Do you mind if I look at the report; maybe I could help”?
"Be my guest." Tenten replied disgustedly as she pushed the file towards the cherry-blonde woman.
Sakura reached out for the file and brought it within her field of vision as she took a seat at Lee's desk. A frown marred her delicate features within seconds as she read through the confusing report. She'd seen nothing like it before, except for the Tsuchigumo murders. She gave an involuntary shudder at the thought. No one should have to die in such a horrible way; whatever way that was.
"Hmm, it is vague. Who's the victim, again? It doesn't say on the file here." She flipped through the scant file searching for a name, but came up empty-handed.
"Now that's something I can tell you. I just received the report this morning,” Tenten rooted through the files scattered on her desk, pulling out the paper she needed. “The victims been identified as the owner of the house, Fû Taki. She was a model of sorts that worked at the Konoha Catwalk…
…What's wrong Sakura?" Tenten asked worriedly as Sakura turned pale before her eyes.
“You’re sure the victim is Fû Taki?” Sakura asked quietly as she stood. Tenten nodded vigorously. “When did this happen?"
"Two days ago when I got called out to that house fire in the Terra district, remember?” Tenten replied, adding under her breath. “I sure do; I reeked something foul."
"I need to take this file with me." Sakura mumbled and turned on her heels quickly without waiting for a reply. Tenten sat there in bewilderment watching her friends retreating back. The only thought running through her head being ‘that was my case.’
Sakura strode up to a silently fuming Kakashi, handing her silver-haired partner the confiscated file from Tenten. She whispered, "Kakashi, it's her."
She was trying to fight back tears as her heartbeat steadily increased and she began worrying her bottom lip. Instead of being on a beach soaking up the sun, Fû Taki was murdered. This was a crushing blow to her morale. A feeling of helplessness consumed her at that moment, but it was the fear that really gripped her heart. She was just beginning to believe that the cycle had ended with the Tsuchigumo murder until this happened. Once again they had another body on their hands and any evidence, if there was any, literally went up in flames. When was this going to end?
“Damn!” Kakashi cursed. He grabbed the file Sakura held out shaking his head. "I'll speak to Tsunade again, but it will change nothing." With a sigh he stared at the closed office door in sadness. This didn’t have to happen, if only he could have convinced her to listen to him.
“Kakashi,” Sakura whispered furiously. “What will we do if it really comes down to just Sasuke and Naruto? I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle here in total darkness and no weapon to defend myself with. I don't want to lose him Kakashi; I can't, I can't lose him."
Kakashi nodded and rest his hand on her shoulder. They couldn’t fall apart now, not when there were still victims that needed protection. He would do anything to ensure they stayed safe. “It will be ok, Sakura. We will find who is doing this and stop them, but for now we can't give up. There are still four people out there that need us and we can't let them down.”
"You're right Kakashi; I just lost myself for a moment. It won't happen again." She sniffled, wiping at the moisture gathered at the corner of her eyes. She offered him a weak smile.
"You don't have to hide your emotions; instead, you can turn that into motivation."
"Right!" Sakura nodded as Kakashi grinned behind the turtleneck that always covered the lower portion of his face.
"I'll inform Tsunade of our discovery if you tell Tenten that her case is no longer hers. I don't think she'll mind so much; I get the feeling she didn't want to investigate it."
"It's because it would have been Sasuke's call. She's pissed that he hasn't returned yet."
"Then you'll be making her day." Kakashi grinned.
"Fantastic!" Sakura grimaced, turning towards the brunette fixated on cleaning her gun.
~REVENGE~
Tsunade stormed from the Councils chambers allowing her anger to fuel her forward impetus. She had tried and failed once again to have them see reason. She wasn't sure why she bothered to inform them anyway. Oh, that was right; they could try to fire her if she didn’t. Good luck getting that passed the Governor.
Fû Taki's murder proved that this wasn't some random homicide and that it was methodically planned out and committed to perfection. It was the 21
st in a string of murders that spanned just over a quarter of a century. But the Council refused to listen, laughing at her. Tsunade lamented that if she was back again in two weeks with Haku Yuki's murder, his blood was on their hands. They just scoffed and dismissed her; threatening to fire her if she said anything further. As she left the building she silently vowed to herself that they would regret this. And if anything happened to Naruto she wouldn't hesitate to give them what they deserved.
Tsunade weaved in and out of traffic on instinct alone allowing herself to be devoured by bitterness. With every fiber of her being she hoped they could keep Haku safe, because if they failed than nowhere was safe for Itachi, Sasuke, and Naruto. And she couldn't lose Naruto. He was all she had left now and to lose him would break her.
She had lost her brother at such a young age and then her fiancé not too long after that. Then there was her nephew and his wife; involuntarily leaving behind their precious boy, the one she called her grandson. She was honored the day he first called her granny and only just concealed her tears that day. But now she was losing Naruto, too. It was cruel and unfair; they were all too young to be taken away from her.
Tsunade sat in her car in silence allowing the tears to flow freely from privy eyes. If Naruto died then she had nothing to live for anymore. He was her sun, the reason she woke up in the morning; and without him she'd shrivel up and die from the oppressive darkness that only he could keep at bay in her heart. He was her beacon, her guiding light, the one she lived for. She could not live like that; being forced to live without him. She would not live like that; not again.
~REVENGE~
I hung up the phone from talking to Kakashi and sat in thought for so long I didn't realize that Naruto was standing half-naked in front of me; water glistening on his exposed bronze back from the shower he'd just taken. The situation was beginning to bear down on me and I felt like I couldn't breathe properly. This was too much for any one person to handle and I wasn't sure that I could anymore. It should have never got this far.
"Teme, what's wrong?" I took a moment to realize I'd been spoken too before looking up at the whiskered face of my boyfriend.
"What was that dobe?" I asked, trying to dispel the entrancement that had descended upon me.
"Is something wrong? You don't seem yourself?" Worry filled his beautiful aqua eyes as he continued to stare at me.
I didn’t like that look on him and it left me wondering, should I tell him about the recent murder? It would only burden him with worry…but we needed to worry. This wasn’t going away no matter how much I wished it would. So, yes, I should absolutely tell him. He'd know that I was lying anyway so it wasn't worth it to hide the truth. I took another moment to think before answering; taking in a deep breath.
"That was Kakashi. There was another murder." I couldn’t look at him; I didn’t want to look at him, because if I did I might break down. Uchiha’s do not break down.
"How?" The blonde asked quietly, soft-spoken. Was he worried? I looked in his eyes and saw concern reflecting back.
I swallowed thickly before answering. "There was a fire, but the cause of death is unknown."
"Just like the Tsuchigumo's." He whispered.
"Yeah, just like the Tsuchigumo's."
I must have sounded dejected or something because the next second Naruto was straddling me and placing soft kisses on my lips. I knew he was trying to reassure me, but I couldn't stop the growing need throbbing achingly between my legs as he continued. It was the thought that he was half-naked and straddling me that ran through my mind. I ran my hands along his thighs, rubbing circles as they worked their way towards…
…I shot up in disgust at myself, but had to reach my arms around the dobe so he wouldn't fall to the ground; bringing him flush against my torso instead, his body rubbing against my hard-on. I barely suppressed a moan though it wouldn’t have been heard over Naruto’s outburst anyway.
"Teme, what was that for!" He demanded. On second thought; maybe I should have just let him fall if he was going to take that tone with me. I was just trying to help him out!
"I need a shower." I growled out; placing my blonde gingerly on the floor.
I rushed for the bathroom, snapping the door shut without looking back at what I thought was a confused dobe. Once again there was another unapproved Uchiha emotion. Uchiha's did not run from the ones they loved; they never ran period! I was such a coward, but in my defense, I wasn't going to do anything that would jeopardize my relationship with Naruto.
I stepped hurriedly towards the shower and turned the knob all the way to cold. Shedding my clothes I all but jumped in and allowed the arctic jet to pound my skin with thousands of tiny, painful pinpricks. I rubbed at my temples willing my little problem to go away while berating myself. I slammed my fist against the wall in frustration releasing my emotions into the sanctity the shower provided. It wasn't just about my arousal that I fled the blonde. Reassuring was my job, not the other way around. What happened to my professionalism?
Just a few months ago I would have thought nothing of that kind of news. Sure, I would feel for the victims and vow to catch the bastard that had done it; but it was all a lie. Even my conversation with Sakura about ever getting used to seeing what we do regularly was a lie. I shivered under the frozen spray wondering how long I had fooled myself. Maybe I should resign if the grotesque scenes I witnessed regularly failed to stir something within me?
I tried in vain to calm my racing heart. I was so absorbed in my thoughts I never heard the bathroom door open or the rustle of the shower curtain. I jerked backwards in shock and surprise as arms wrapped themselves around my torso, one reaching out and turning the water to a more comfortable temperature. I felt butterfly kisses to the back of my neck and a murmured 'teme', before I slowly turned back to face the blonde.
"Dobe?" I asked hoarsely.
"I didn't think you should be alone, teme."
"Why would you think that?" It wasn't a harsh reply and completely genuine, but I couldn't help the internal wince at how it crossed my own ears.
"Hmm, because I know how you're feeling here and I don't want to be alone.” I heard the whisper and felt the brush of air over my nape, sending shivers down my body. “You must think that I’m not fazed by any of this, teme, but I am. I think I'm just hiding it better than you at the moment. Thoughts are constantly overwhelming me and anytime I think I'm close to having any sort of breakdown I ask myself what purpose it would serve me. Would it make me feel better to cry my eyes out? I think that would make me feel worse, actually. Don't get me wrong; I'm not acting out of bravery, but out of some strange form of cowardice, I think."
I swallowed and shook my head. He was not a coward. "You are far from being a coward Naruto."
"Thanks, Sasuke, but I'm the worst kind of coward. I'm not ready to tell you my reasoning yet, though." He tightened his hold on me, snuggling into my shoulder.
"Anytime you're ready I'll be waiting." I smiled as my heart slowed to the normal 80 beats per minute. He must be some kind of miracle worker for me to relax so easily around him, and I wasn’t complaining.
"Thank you for that." Silence rained down on us temporarily before Naruto continued. He whispered into the crook of my neck. "I think I know why you're so frustrated, teme."
I turned around fully in his arms and eyed him curiously; urging him to go on with a raised eyebrow as he worried his bottom lip.
"I think it’s because you are emotionally attached. Before, those people were complete strangers and they held no emotional sway over you. You not only have to worry about yourself, but your brother, and now me. That's why it's getting to you quicker; you have more to lose than I do."
"I don't want to lose you." I whispered softly. It felt like a ton of bricks lifted from my shoulders with that admission and I suddenly felt a 100 times better. I nearly sagged with relief against a bronze shoulder; I never realized the amount of stress I was carrying around with me on a daily basis.
"Turn around teme." Naruto whispered as he ran his fingers gently along my jaw.
I complied with his wishes and was pleasantly rewarded as he began to knead my shoulders and back in a soft and, dare I admit it, sensual way. I felt myself begin to relax further under his expert hands as he slowly kneaded out the knots I never knew were there. I was so relaxed that I released an involuntary groan, much to my chagrin. My eyes shot open in panic, but Naruto could only chuckle at my deer-caught-in-the-headlights expression. He reached forward and grabbed the bottle of shampoo, pouring out a small measure in to his hands, completely ignoring my slight panic. My eyes slid closed again as he ran his fingers through my hair this time; instantly tangling slender fingers into my ebony locks. It was like heaven the way he massaged my scalp from front to back as he traced butterfly kisses along my shoulders.
I frowned when Narutos hands re-treated a short time later fumbling for something I couldn't see. I felt the soft texture of a lathered washcloth slide across my upper back and over my shoulders, working around my neck and down over my lean, muscular arms with a sudsy purpose. I bit my lip as l groaned in ecstasy, shivering at the feel of the cloth swiping over my lower back and across my butt as it made its trek to slender legs. It was slow, agonizingly slow; and painfully sensual…I was in love with every minute of it.
Easily persuaded, I turned around and looked at Naruto again. He smiled with a soft, but determined look on his face as he ran the cloth over my torso. My breath hitched and goosebumps erupted over my body when the cloth brushed my nipples. I breathed heavily as he continued down over my six-pack and around my hips, registering shock when he continued to go even further as he ran the cloth over my outer thighs before rubbing at my inner thighs. I reached out and stopped his actions as he made his way towards my nether region. How far was he going to take this, because at this stage I didn't think I could control my actions for much longer?
I stared Naruto in the eye silently asking what he was doing, but I only received a smirk before he bent down and ran the cloth over my hardening cock. I bit my lip as a feeling of electricity shot through my groin, sending a tingling feeling throughout my being. But the feeling disappeared as suddenly as it started and he'd moved on to my calves, caressing them as he rubbed the cloth over every inch of my legs.
Caught off guard, I staggered a bit as Naruto lifted one of my feet and ran the lathered material along the sensitive underside and between my toes before mimicking the actions with my other foot. I blushed deeply at the feeling of suds between my toes, never realizing that I was sensitive in such a place. Stepping backwards, I eased gently towards the spray of water to rinse off. It felt exhilarating as the shampoo rinsed from my hair to fall over my body and mingle with the soap before rushing down the drain in a foamy combination. I always did love that feeling.
My eyes fluttered open as I felt a kiss to my newly rinsed collar-bone, gentle and comforting. I bent forward and brought my mouth crashing to his. It was fiery and passionate and I never wanted it to end, but the need for oxygen soon became too much and I forced myself to resurface, panting for much-needed breath. The dobe, to my satisfaction, was in a similar state. A growing pulse of need between my legs brought me crashing down to earth, hard. I had to end this now before I did something irreparably foolish.
"Naruto…" But the rest of my sentence was cut short as his hand slid down and grasped my throbbing member in a firm grip. I released a ragged breath at the amazing feeling, clutching at white shower tiles and digging my nails into the grout. It had been too long since I felt such sensations…
It was a struggle to return to my senses and I just barely managed it, growling, “Naruto!”
"Shh, teme." Naruto chided, jerking his hand forward on my throbbing penis.
My head shot back as I released a silent groan my nails digging further into the side of the shower. Oh, but did that feel blissfully satisfying. I was in heaven as Naruto started to stroke me slowly, his thumb flicking over the slit and smearing the bead of pre-cum pearling there. Gasping, I found purchase in the crook of Narutos neck, moaning lowly and panting harshly from his ministrations. H
He stroked increasingly harder and faster, keeping time with my ragged breathing. I released a shuddering breath as he ran a single digit along my shaft before returning to the base of my cock and pumping again. I was getting close to my release when I felt the body beneath me shift. I regained my balance just in time to feel an amazing heat engulf me. I couldn't believe this was happening. I knew I should push him away, that he was doing more for me than was necessary…
But I lacked the will to end this. I groaned loudly as a tongue flicked over my slit, teasing me, before he started to suck and bob his head. Humming, Naruto grabbed at my base and stroked as he continued to thrust my dick in and out of his mouth; sucking on my tip as he went. The slurping sounds he produced served only to make me harder. I felt his tongue run along the underside of my shaft before sucking greedily again on the tip his sinful tongue flicking over my slit again. He was incredible!
I felt a tingling at the base of my penis, signaling that I was close; I couldn’t hold back any longer if I tried. I wanted to warn Naruto, but my voice chose that moment to abandon me. My balls seized up, pushing forth an unbearable pressure; and with a shuddering groan I released into his waiting mouth.
His eyes closed tight as I turned my hazy stare on him, his mouth working to swallow it all. He didn't appear surprised and instead continued to suck hungrily as I emptied completely into him. I watched him closely as he stood up to face me, but I saw nothing but happiness reflected within those orbs of crystalline blue, slightly hooded. I reached out and stroked his cheek as he pressed contentedly into the contact.
My breathing evened out and it was only then that I realized the water was cold. I reached back and shut the water off, pulling the curtain open and exposing us to the stark white bathroom. I stepped out and dragged the blonde with me. I looked at his naked form in contentment before it slid into a frown. He wasn't even hard from the experience; didn't he enjoy it? Sensing my worry he breathed in my ear softly. "I know when to be excited, Sasuke and now wasn't the time. Besides, you needed this more than I did.”
“Are you sure?” Now that my thinking was clear I worried it was too soon. He couldn’t be ready for this? Did he force himself just for my sake?
“I’m sure. I told you that if you went at my pace you'd be more than rewarded. So don't you worry about me, ok?
I wrapped myself around the dobe in an endearing hug, pouring every emotion I could into the contact. Just another unapproved Uchiha emotion when it came to the blonde. "Thank you." I felt his smile against my shoulder and I couldn't help the smile that lit my face in return. I really enjoyed that smile of his…even if I couldn’t see it.
"We should eat teme and I think we should go out instead. There's that restaurant across the street? It wouldn't be that big of a risk would it and Granny Tsunade doesn't need to know everything, right?" His tone was pleading, his hands clasped in front of him like he was praying. I thought he could bounce on the balls of his feet like a begging child any second now. “Please?” He asked. How could I say no to that?
"That sounds reasonable and there’s minimal risk involved. So is this a date, then?" I smirked.
"If that's what you want, but then you're buying." The blonde flashed me with a mischievous smile. Wow, had that grown on me.
"I don't mind treating my 'girl' to dinner." The smile slid from his face in the most comic way that I had trouble not laughing at him.
"I am not a girl, teme."
"Of that I'm very certain dobe. You wouldn't have caught my eye if you were. Well most likely not. I've only ever been with one girl."
"Really? Can I pry?"
My eyebrow twitched at his inquisitive nature, surprised that he wanted to know of my past relationships. If that had been any one else I had told they wouldn't have been so enthusiastic. But then again, he told me about his past relationship…and if I ever met the fucker I would have no problem beating the shit out of him. Then justice would truly be served.
I stared at his puppy dog eyes and exhaled in resignation just as a devious thought crossed my mind. Maybe I could spin this my way and have a little fun with the dobe instead. "I'll tell you the story if you admit that you're my ‘girl.’” I asked. I fully expected being smacked for my comments, but no such blow befell me.
"Dream on." He growled, but I noticed the small blush dusting his cheeks and accentuating his whiskered scars.
"But you're always in my dreams." I replied truthfully.
His blush deepened further, his eyes cast off to the side in embarrassment, biting his lip. "Really?” He whispered, as if he didn’t quite believe me. I nodded.
“So if I say that I'm your 'girl' then you will tell me about her?" I nodded my full agreement and smirked inwardly with triumph. I already got what I wanted now maybe he would repeat it for me. "OK, so start talking."
The smile slid from my face and formed a frown. So he wasn't easily fooled sometimes. I'd have to be more cunning in the future. "I'll tell you over dinner."
Naruto readily agreed as he stalked over to the dresser and pulled out clothing, tossing articles over his shoulder at me.
~REVENGE~
15 minutes later had us dressed and seated in the restaurant waiting to order our food. All eyes were on us, some confused, some curious, and some furious. All because we had walked in holding hands and clearly that wasn't acceptable within this tiny restaurant. The hostess that led us to the table could barely contain her scowl of disapproval as she seated us. I would have said something if Naruto hadn't been inattentive of his surroundings; so the only thing I could do was don a fiercer scowl. It worked successfully as the hostess rushed away in fear. That would teach her to disrespect an Uchiha.
The waitress was only a step up from the hostess as she sauntered over to our table. She took one look at us and our clasped hands over the table and blushed. I had to scowl again when she refused to take her eyes off my blonde! I may have been a private person by nature, but my Uchiha possessiveness roared to life and it clamored to protect my property at all costs. If this woman knew what was good for her she would back off, and now! I had no problem reducing anyone to a sopping pile of tears if need be. And if those male losers didn't stop staring at us now I was sorely tempted…
"What would you like to drink?" The waitress asked finding her voice. She was completely unaware that she had inadvertently spared those losers lives. Not that I would have really killed them, but when I got through with them, they would have wished for death.
“He’ll have an orange juice and water for me, thank you.” With a nod the waitress departed, leaving us alone.
"Having fun, teme?" Naruto asked with a smirk looking akin to the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. I returned his smirk with one of my own.
"I think they get the point. I'm taken; you can stop preening your feathers now."
"I do not preen and I don't recall having feathers of any sort."
"Teme…I didn’t…never mind." The blonde sighed.
"Do you not like my possessiveness?"
"Wow, you admitted you're possessive. What excellent progress you are making Mr. Uchiha. Now all we have to work on is make you more sociable and you can stop the daily visits with your psychiatrist. They would be so proud of you."
"I do not have a psychiatrist." I growled.
"Really,” Naruto remarked excitedly, leaning over the table on his elbows. “So you're self-diagnosing? How is that working for you? Do you find that your treatment plan is working?"
"Dobe…"
"Was it hard to plan out a treatment? How did you know which treatment was the best for you?"
"Dobe…"
"How hard was it not to choose a medicinal treatment?"
"Naruto…"
"Really, I'm curious. Do you read self-help books...?"
"Naruto…"
"Or do you Google? Oh, maybe you use Wikipedia or Yahoo? Inquiring minds want to know."
"Dobe, shut up now or I refuse to tell you about her."
Naruto pouted, but finally remained silent. The waitress looked at us funny as she strode forward with our drinks and to take our order. I ground my teeth as she looked on bemused. What the hell was her problem?!
“Umm, are you ready to order?” She asked shyly.
With a snarl I'd ordered a vegetable salad with tomato basil soup and a side order of bread sticks to share. She wrote my order and turned her attention to Naruto waiting for his choice. He remained silent, smiling friendly at the waitress. She looked confused by his continued silence and I felt much the same way. What was he doing?
"Are you going to order sir?" The girl asked tentatively.
"Oh, but Sasuke-teme does all my ordering for me, you should ask him, please."
"O…ok. Umm, what would you like to order for your guest?" She stuttered, turning to me again. She seemed more nervous now. I glared at the blonde, but I only earned a devilish grin in return. I would get him back for this!
"He'll have the turkey club sandwich, with miracle whip instead of mayo, and a side of mashed potatoes instead of french fries; no gravy." She nodded nervously as she grabbed up the menus and sidled away to place the order. I waited until she was out of earshot before I growled at the dobe.
"What the hell was that?”
“I thought you were the possessive type, teme. You did order my drink for me.” Naruto laughed.
“That’s because you always drink orange juice with your dinner.”
Naruto flushed slightly with my admission, floundering in embarrassment, “You noticed something like that?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t I?”
He shrugged his shoulders and pulled his glass towards him to take a sip. “Not a lot of people notice something like that.”
“I did.”
From the corner of my eye I noticed the waitress staring at us intently across the room. I turned towards her location with a frown on my face making her aware of my displeasure. Turning to see what caught my attention Naruto flashed the waitress a smile, who proceeded to blush and fumble for her pad of paper to take orders.
“I think she likes you or something." It was the only thing I could think of that would cause such blatant staring and I didn’t like it one bit. Naruto was mine! And I would be damned if anyone would have him, ever!
"Or something." Naruto laughed at my skeptical look. "She thinks we're hot, teme."
I stared blankly at him wondering where he came up with shit like this. Why the hell would he think that anyway?
"And how would you know something like that? She doesn’t act like the others do!” I mean other girls had star-struck looks on their face or they smiled in their sickening lovey-dovey ways. The waitress had done neither. She did blush at us and stare heavily at Naruto…maybe the dobe was on to something here.
"I have my ways, teme. Believe me though; she doesn't believe you beat me unless I want it."
"Is that what you want Naruto?" I snapped. This conversation was getting old and the waitress was back to staring at us; at Naruto.
"No, I can't stand the smell of leather." I blinked and turned to stare at him…
And then he laughed at me, a melodic laugh the eased away my irritation in a second. I should have realized he was joking with me. I shook my head as blue eyes twinkled in merriment. Why did I put up with him?
"I'll have you know, dobe, that I would never be in such a relationship where abuse was present. I happen to hold no tolerance for such antics. In fact, I would chop off my hands before I ever raised a hand to you; to anyone."
"That's kind of disturbing to hear teme.” Naruto laughed again. “But anyway, are you going to tell me about her?"
I should have known I wouldn’t be able to get away without telling him. I exhaled; a promise is a promise.
“We were in Jr. High together. I was 15 and she was slightly older than I was at 16.” I paused to take a sip of my water. “We’d been friends for a few years; actually since 6
th grade. I was aware of her misplaced crush on me, but I didn’t allow it to interfere with our friendship. We received an invite to a party at a classmates’ house one night…and there was alcohol involved. I happened to drink more that I should have, but my friend was trashed. She was driving under a permit at the time and I was too young to drive, so I gained permission to stay the night due to our mutual inebriation. I got her up to the guest bedroom and onto the bed without incident. I believed she was out cold, but I was deceived. She was the one to initiate and in my drunken stupor I didn’t refuse. It was our first times…but I don’t regret losing my virginity to her. In hindsight it seemed the most logical choice anyway.”
"Are you two still friends?"
"Yes, in fact we work together and you've already met her."
"You mean Sakura?" I nodded. "Wow. So why didn't you get together?"
"After Sakura woke up the next morning she was extremely embarrassed, believing I'd been taken advantage of until I set her straight. When she wasn't so hung over she was able to recall more clearly what had happened. Sakura found the whole situation awkward and in that moment released her crush on me and as friends we became closer. It was a onetime thing between us and we've never repeated it, nor have I wanted too. I also spent the next month petrified that I had impregnated her because of the lack of protection used."
"I'm glad you remained friends and didn't impregnate her."
"I am too. In turn she was the one I confided in when I had my first male relationship. I was… Thank you." I replied to the waitress as she placed our food on the table hurriedly. She shot Naruto a quick glance, blushing when he smiled at her, and scurried away. I waited for her to retreat far enough away before beginning where I left off.
"I was naturally confused. Up until then I'd never put much thought into whom I liked; man or woman. It was shockingly obvious to me only after being approached by a man. I was hassled constantly by the woman at school…I actually still have that problem today. I never put much thought to why I was constantly spurning their advances. I realize now that it was because I wasn't attracted to them.
“But this guy; he was different. I refused him the first time and many times after that, but he was persistent. I naturally ran to Sakura for understanding, who laughed at me and told me I should give him a chance. It was the only way for me to know for sure what my sexual identity was. I took her advice and he gave me many firsts."
"Did it end amicably with this guy?"
I smiled as I brought up the dormant memories... "It did, actually. We were together throughout high school; roughly four years. We rarely fought about anything; so I guess you could say everything was going great. It was almost perfect.
“Then we were accepted at different colleges. We agreed to sever our relationship and remain friends. I went into the police academy with Sakura and he went off to a school for business. He was in the process of grooming to help run the family business. He told me once that he would be President of the company one day and that his younger cousin would become CEO.”
"What's his name?" Naruto asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.
“Can I ask you something first?” I asked softly, never letting my gaze waiver from his. He looked on curiously and tilted his head to the side.
“Of course.” He replied.
"Will you tell me ‘his’ name?" I whispered. The last thing I wanted was to make him feel cornered. It was a deep burning curiosity…I had to know the guy's name. All I wanted to do was protect him.
Naruto swallowed and cast his eyes at his half eaten plate. I waited patiently as he battled internally with himself. Coming to a decision he finally looked up to meet me in the eyes and stated boldly. "His name is Kabuto Yakushi."
"Kabuto Yakushi…?” Naruto nodded stiffly. “I can imagine it must have been difficult for you to tell me that, but thank you for trusting me.”
“I do trust you teme.” He swallowed thickly, but refused to lower his gaze. I felt admiration for the dobe…I would not have been as trusting as he was; ever. With a smile I reached across the table and gripped his hand tightly.
“His name is Neji Hyuga and he works for his Uncle at the Hyuga Corporation."
Naruto smiled, happy to have changed the subject. "You have interesting ties, teme. If I'm not mistaken, they're involved in many aspects of the consumer market."
"I'm aware."
"Have you kept in touch with him since you went your separate ways?"
"Not really. We've both been busy the last few years."
"Do you ever want to reconnect with him?" I paused with my arm raised halfway to my mouth. He was suddenly hesitant, giving me the impression of being a bit insecure. It was a cute look on him and I wanted to grip him in a crushing embrace and never let go, but I refrained.
"Why would I? I have you now and he can't hold a candle to you." I grinned as I brought my soup to my lips.
"I-that's not what…I mean."
I frowned. "When we went our separate ways it was with the understanding that it was over. We were free to be with whomever we wanted and if our paths crossed again, maybe then it would be reconsidered. Our paths crossed again about seven months ago. Neji was in a committed relationship and happier than he ever was with me. We've remained friends, but anything more is impossible."
"Was he your only relationship?"
"No, I have you."
With a cluck of his tongue, Naruto replied. "I wasn't talking about me, teme."
"There were brief relationships. None lasted more than a few weeks or months and none that ever held any true depth."
"Do you regret any of your past relationships?"
"Just one, you could say it was a bad breakup. I had foreseen the disastrous outcome almost before it began, but I stubbornly stuck with it, thinking I could salvage it. I'm an Uchiha; I can make anything work for me."
"So you broke it off." Blue eyes widened in disbelief and an eyebrow shot up.
"No,” I admitted. “He was the one to break it off."
"So they dumped you?" I watched Naruto's mouth quirk into a faint smile.
I shot him a glare as he took glee from the knowledge. I wasn’t proud of the fact that I was dumped, but in hindsight it was for the best. If he wouldn’t have left I would have stuck with him and that would have made us both miserable.
"Yes, you could say that, but then again, I just said I was too stubborn to give up on us. Uchiha's don't take failure lightly."
"It must be hard being an Uchiha?"
"It's unbelievably stressful at times, but it does have its advantages."
"Like your name being well-recognized; even now."
"Hmm, that's not what I meant about advantages."
"Right?" Naruto murmured uncertainly; supporting the silence that descended over our meal.
Time passed by slowly for me, not that I was complaining. I was waiting for Naruto to finish his dessert…the second one that he ordered tonight. Blue eyes glanced up at me only to turn off to the side quickly. That was the 6
th time he’d done that tonight and I couldn't shake the felling that the dobe had something he wanted to say. But I didn't want to pry unnecessarily. If he had something he wanted to say or ask me, I would let him in his own time. I didn't have long to wait as he stopped me on the side of the street just before we entered the hotel lobby.
His hands were cold as they pressed against my bicep to gain my attention. They must have been cold from glass that held the ice cream float he slurped down just minutes ago. I turned to look at him, my eyebrow raised in question.
"Why do you like me?" He blurted out.
I stood there staring at him in confusion unsure that I had heard him properly. Was he seriously asking me something like that? Deciding to avoid the question; because I didn’t know the answer myself, I turned around throwing over my shoulder, "Dobe, it's late and we should really be getting upstairs before Chief Tsunade discovers we left."
I took a few steps towards the lobby door before I realized he wasn't following me. I turned to stare quizzically at him, but all I saw was a dejected being who was too interested in staring at the ground. It made my heart constrict painfully.
"Why do you like me?" He repeated in a whisper; too intent with kicking a small pebble on the ground to look at me. I felt an urge to giggle maniacally, but I suppressed them. Uchiha’s did not giggle maniacally.
Uchiha’s also didn’t like being pressured-though, I will admit that was mostly me. I didn’t have an answer and I didn’t want to lie; there was no reason to anyway. But the dobe wanted an answer, so I blurted out the only thing I could. "I don't know?"
It seemed that was the wrong answer when his face settled into a frown. He was continuing to stare at the ground; refusing to even look at me let alone in the eye. Really, it wasn’t that hard to lift your head and speak to someone face-to-face.
"What made you like Neji then?" He questioned, toeing the pebble with his sneaker and making it pop up on the pavement like it was electrified.
I was slowly growing frustrated with Naruto and his odd fixation with relationships. I could see no reason for bringing up Neji. What could Neji possibly have to do with my liking his dobe ass? Maybe the dobe fell and hit his head when I wasn’t looking or something? Yes, that must be the reason because he'd never acted like this before and I couldn’t imagine him being that insecure. Naruto was many things, but insecure didn’t seem like one of them.
"Naruto?"
"Please answer me?" Naruto begged.
He stood there staring directly at me for an answer with a look of desperation on his face. Cerulean eyes swam with a foreign emotion I'd never witnessed before…on anyone. I didn't know the right thing to say to him! I felt a bubble of panic in the pit of my stomach as I strived to find a way to resolve this, to pacify my dobe.
My heart began to pound with this foreign emotion and I wanted nothing more than to see it vanish; quickly. This was obviously not an Uchiha approved emotion because we never panicked. And yet, here I was terrified I would say the wrong thing and it would cost me the dobe. I didn't want it to be over before it ever really started. With a giant exhale I blurted out,
"In all honesty, I'm not really sure why I like you yet. All I know is that I want to get to know you more and try to find that answer. I want to wake up to you next to me, I want to eat the food you make, and I want your heart. I want to give you my heart in return! So, I don't know why I like you, ok!"
By the time I finished I felt like I'd run a marathon-my heart was beating so fast I feared it would break loose from my ribcage and do the polka in the street.
"OK."
It was such a simple reply. That was all he had to say to me? I sagged in frustrated defeat; astounded at his emotion mood swings. What the hell was going on with him?! Was this going to be a constant thing with him because I didn't know if I could handle the strain to my heart? There was that uphill battle again!
"OK? Would you care to explain what that was about just now?" I could scarcely conceal the anger that started boiling to the surface.
"No." He stated bluntly. "I just wanted to know why you liked me. I didn't really get an answer to my question, but then how can you answer me if you don't know the answer yourself? But, I do agree with everything you said teme. I want to give you my heart too."
And then he smiled at me. I sighed, feeling the anger cooling instantly. I walked up to him and placed a kiss to his forehead, growling. "Dobe…you are very frustrating sometimes, do you know that?"
"Yeah, I've been told on numerous occasions by numerous people." He laughed gently rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Let's get upstairs and watch a movie or something." I replied.
"Or something." Naruto laughed.
I grinned at his mischievous comment the last 15 minutes already behind me. I pulled him hurriedly through the lobby and towards the elevator. Just before the doors closed on us I grabbed the back of his neck and brought my lips to his earning scandalous looks from the couple checking in. I gave the concierge credit as he tried not to blush, but I couldn't help the small, internal groan as I noticed the couples little girl with hearts in her eyes. Damn, I kept converting them! Curse my Uchiha ways!
AN: So this update was a little later than I expected it to be. Curse the Verdict Watch it was the sole reason I was late!
So this was technically my first lime, I hope I did it justice. Please read and review, if you want, I enjoy receiving them.
