Won't Let You Go

Chapter Seven

The looks on Naruto’s and Sasuke’s faces were beyond priceless. As the frozen shock extended past the two second mark, Kiba could tell he wasn’t the only one hurriedly reaching for his cell phone so he could capture the moment with the built-in camera so he could use it for blackmail material later on.

From somewhere within the crowd, a wide-eyed and obviously reluctant Sakura was pushed forward, distracting the two newcomers enough for their looks of surprises to fade into bewilderment. Taking pity on the poor woman who seemed frozen in place, Kiba put a hand on the small of her back and led her to Naruto’s side where he wedged himself between the couple and threw his arms around the two of them as cheers rose.

Waving his hands in the indication that everyone needed to shut up, Kiba cleared his throat.

“To those of you who have no idea what’s going on and are only here because of the flyers posted around campus-” The bartender pointedly ignored the dark glare Sasuke was suddenly giving him. “This is Haruno Sakura and Uzi-maki Naruto.” Kiba grinned as the two offered awkward smiles and waved. “And this is their surprise engagement party! Woo!”

More cheers went up and Kiba accepted a beer being passed his way. Raising it in toast, he took a swig before handing it back and turning to Sakura, praying the element of surprise would keep her temper in check for what he was about to do.

“Now Sakura,” he began solemnly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know I’m supposed to be gay and all, but- but!” he raised his voice over the sudden hoot of laughter and ‘I knew it’s being shouted. “This is an Inuzaka family tradition.”

With that, Kiba wrapped his arms around the confused woman and dipped her before planting his lips firmly over hers in a sloppy kiss that caused the females to shriek and men to holler. Knowing better than to let the moment linger long enough for Sakura to regain some sense, he straightened them both back up and made sure Sakura was steady on her feet before letting go to turn and pat Naruto on the back.

“She’s all yours, buddy,” Kiba said, flashing the blond a reassuring grin.

“Hang on!” A pretty little brunette stepped forward, keeping the crowd focused. “That’s a tradition in my family, too!”

And just like that, her mouth was sealed over Naruto’s, taking no notice of the way Naruto’s eyes went wide or his hands momentarily flailed before grabbing on to her hips.

A chorus of “Me too!”s went up and Kiba was forced to take a step back and admire what he had started as the poor couple was passed around for congratulatory kisses from the bolder students of FCU. Feeling proud of his work, he grabbed a random beer and turned, only to find Sasuke making his way through the crowd, murderous gaze set on him. Quickly turning again, Kiba made it all of eight steps in the opposite direction before bumping into one of his new friends from this semester.

“Supposed to be gay, huh?”

Kiba grinned. “Yep! To the point where all you have to do is see me walk and you’ll know.”

The skeptical look didn’t fade. Not that Kiba expected it to. He had a feeling Kankuro batted for the other team on occasion thanks to the odd stare he sometimes found himself subjected to.

“So doesn’t that mean you should be kissing Blondie instead?” Kankuro challenged, his head motioning to Naruto, who appeared unable to decide if he should be having a panic attack or enjoying the attention of the endless line of women eager to ‘congratulate’ him.

“Not on your life,” Kiba said with a deceptively happy smile. There was no way he was making out with another man in public just so Kankuro could get his—

A twenty dollar bill appeared.

Kiba frowned at it. As if that would be enough to—

The twenty was fanned out and became sixty.

Kiba snatched it up in a heartbeat and shoved it into his back pocket.

“You’re right!” he said with flourish, giving Kankuro his beer to hold. “If I’m going to do this, I should do it right!”

Cutting through the line of ladies, squeals started to sound as Kiba announced, “Gay man with a purpose coming through.”

Even Naruto seemed to catch on as he saw the predatory look in Kiba’s eyes.

“Sakura! Save me!” Naruto cried, using the girl closest to him as a shield before whirling around, trying to spot Sakura from the throng of men she was surrounded by.

Kiba smirked, wrapping an arm around the businessman from behind. “Sorry Naruto,” he apologized as he twirled Naruto around. “I’ve got sixty bucks riding on this.”

Money overriding any second guesses on what he was about to do, Kiba responded to Naruto’s stiff frame and horrified appearance with an exaggerated puckering of the lips. As he closed in for the kill, Kiba allowed his mouth to soften enough for this to be something of a real kiss. But no sooner did he feel the yielding pressure of Naruto’s lips beneath his that someone grabbed the back of his collar, yanking him back none to gently. Glancing over his shoulder, Kiba was taken back by the cold fury in Sasuke’s eyes.

“Kiba, I’ve had just about enough of your games.”

Both Kiba and Naruto flinched at the calm tone, the two of them recognizing it enough to know that lines had been crossed.

“Aw, but Princess--”

Kiba was prevented from playing up the gay lover card as a man went flying through the air past them. Looking back in the direction the person had come from, Kiba spotted Sakura with a fist raised and tic marks marring her normally unblemished skin.

“I said that’s enough!” she shouted.

Glaring to the left and then to the right, Sakura made sure no more advances were being attempted before she focused her anger on Kiba.

The veterinarian major paled as Sakura stomped towards him, struggling against the grip Sasuke still had on his shirt.

He was going to die. Oh God. He was too young to die! There was still so much he wanted to do with his life! He wanted to pass his literature class! He still needed to hook up with Ayame at some point! He wanted to visit the ski slopes of Snow Country! He wanted to save the whales!

“SURPRISE!”

Peeking one eye open, Kiba risked a look around to see that Sakura’s attention was no longer on him. Neither was Naruto’s. Or Sasuke’s, judging from the lax hold.

Shrugging himself free, Kiba took a moment to straighten his shirt before turning to see who had entered, cueing the conditioned shouts of “Surprise!”

The relief that flooded through Kiba was nearly tangible. “Hey, your senseis are here!” he said happily, pushing the ‘engaged’ couple forward.

Kiba was about to follow only to be stopped short by a hand once again on his collar. With a sigh he turned, mentally preparing himself for Sasuke’s wrath.

“What the hell are you trying to pull?” Sasuke demanded, the anger still evident in his eyes.

Kiba’s arms spread in a gesture to their surroundings. “What?” he asked defensively. “It’s just a college party! No one’s going to remember its for an engagement, and even if they do, they’re not going to remember Sakura was a part of it!”

“I’m talking about what happened just now with Naruto,” Sasuke growled, countering Kiba’s position by crossing his arms against his chest.

Kiba blinked, feeling momentarily thrown.

“What?” His head whirled around to cast a glance at Naruto, who appeared to be sharing a laugh with his senseis. “I thought it was a good idea to have him greet them…”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Then what?” Kiba asked, feeling exasperated. “You’re mad about all the kisses? It’s hardly my fault the girls all started lining up for him! He’s apparently sex on legs – so what? You already have a girlfriend so you’re not allowed to be jealous and complain like us single men. And I only tried to kiss him because Kankuro put me up to it for cold hard cash, so don’t you start questioning my orientation either.”

Kiba ended his rant by snapping his jaw shut, realizing that he was rambling. It was something he tended to do when nervous and despite being used to Sasuke’s many moods, Kiba sometimes still had to control the urge to wet himself when his old roommate was in a state of ‘Zen fury’ as he termed it.

Thankfully the mood was broken as Kankuro stepped into the conversation, his hand help open before him with his fingers making a ‘cough up the dough’ motion as he stared pointedly at Kiba, failing to give a damn about the other man in the group.

“What?! Aw, come on!” Kiba whined, reaching into his back pocket to retrieve the bills. “I almost kissed him! Our lips even touched!” he pointed out hopefully, holding the cash close to his heart.

Kankuro impassively shook his head. “Still doesn’t count.” He snatched the money away and exchanged it for Kiba’s beer. “Next time you should make sure your boyfriend isn’t watching.”

Kiba scowled as the man walked away and then turned the scowl on Sasuke. To Sasuke’s credit, he no longer looked as pissed, which probably meant Kiba’s silent message of ‘You fucking asshole, you just made me lose sixty dollars!’ was coming across loud and clear.

“Here,” Kiba snapped, shoving his drink into Sasuke’s hand. “You’ll need it. I’m going to go clean something and actually earn my pay now,” he grumbled as he stomped off towards the bar area to help out with the overwhelming load of patrons.

Fifteen minutes later, the demands for alcohol had been fulfilled for the most part, giving Kiba and the other two bartenders a chance to catch up on the cleaning and restocking of various items. At one point the silver-haired sensei stopped by to compliment Kiba on putting together such an interesting party and the proceeded to order a shot of whiskey and four “whatever it is kids your age use to congratulate and celebrate these days…unless you have wine. Do you have wine?”

Laughing as he slid the man his whiskey, Kiba assured him that yes, they had wine, but nothing bubbly enough to really do such an occasion justice.

The sensei looked thoughtful for a moment before peering back at the table Naruto had managed to claim for them. “Do you think Ms. Haruno would be able to tell the difference?”

“In a heartbeat,” Kiba replied as the whiskey was downed, thinking back to all the nice places Sasuke usually took her.

“Well, damn.” The curse was punctuated with the clank of the empty glass hitting the top of the bar.

“Tell you what, let me whip up one of my personal specialties for you guys. Something not on the menu, but guaranteed to be bubbly enough with the help of a bit of carbonated water,” Kiba offered, taking back the glass and wiping the counter, the professionalism of his job having already set in since the moment he took the fourth order from the earlier rush.

He was rewarded with a thankful grin and a large enough tip that almost made up for not quite kissing Naruto. Almost.

After personally delivering his specialty mystery drinks (now dubbed ‘Faux Surprises Only’) Kiba returned to the bar to find Sasuke nursing a beer and glaring at anyone who dared stand too close to him.

“Why ssso seriousss?” Kiba hissed out in a terrible impression of The Dark Knight’s Joker as he grabbed a bunch of used glasses to stick in the dishwasher.

The question earned him a deadpanned stare and, much to Kiba’s pleasant surprise, an answer as well.

“I’m being reminded of all the reasons I finished college early,” Sasuke replied sourly before voluntarily starting up a conversation. “Are you even allowed to organize parties here?”

Kiba chuckled at the curiosity that managed to peek through the Scrooge-like demeanor. “Not really, but Friday nights are generally karaoke nights, and since we’re reasonably close to campus, its not that hard to convince friends to party here on the occasional Friday I get scheduled.”

“Great,” Sasuke snorted. He pushed his empty bottle forward. “Give me the strongest drink this poor excuse for a pub serves.”

Kiba raised a skeptical brow. “You driving?”

Face falling even further than before, Sasuke diverted his attention to the side. “Just…give me another beer.”

Not bothering to bite back his smirk, Kiba obeyed, looking out at the restaurant as chants of “Speech! Speech! Speech!” began to rise.

Both men at the bar watched in silence as Naruto and Sakura were accosted and dragged from their seats, protests stopping short as Naruto’s senseis seemed to take sides with everyone else. Allowing themselves to be ushered onto the small stage at the back of the dining area, Naruto jumped as the karaoke mic was shoved into his hand.

“How much you want to bet he’s going to start singing?” Kiba asked, grinning as he leaned forward against the bar.

“That’d be a sucker’s bet,” Sasuke said over the chanting. He turned his head towards the bartender, but his eyes never left the stage. “Ten bucks says he asks what he’s supposed to do first.

Before Kiba could agree to the bet, Naruto’s voice echoed through the speakers. “Er…What am I supposed to do?”

The audience’s cries of “Speech!” were thrown into discord as many of them added the word “Engagement!” as a helpful clue.

It took a moment for Naruto to catch on, and when he did his eyes widened. “Oh! A speech about why we’re getting married!” He glanced hesitantly at Sakura who merely smiled and gave him a nod of encouragement. Turning back to the audience, Naruto scanned the crowd. Kiba guessed he was trying to spot Sasuke, but with the place this packed, it would be like a game of Where’s Waldo.

Giving up his search with a shrug, Naruto scratched the back of his head in thought. “Mm, I never know what to say for these things. I mean, all those wedding movies have pretty much covered all the types of speeches there are. Not that I’ve ever been engaged before!” he hastily amended, waving his free hand before him in denial. “I’ve just been to a ton of engagement parties is all. You know that saying, ‘Always a bridesmaid, never a bride’? I actually was a bridesmaid once! Seriously! It’s how I met Sakura…”

“Jesus Christ, he’s a rambler,” Kiba commented, resting his chin on his fist. “And here I thought he only rambled when drunk.”

“He’s a compulsive rambler,” Sasuke explained, gaze still locked on Naruto. “I’m starting to see he’s a nervous liar as well.”

“What, he was never a bridesmaid?” The question was scoffed out; Kiba having guessed the answer.

“Actually, that part is true. He’s never been to an engagement party, though.”

Kiba’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?”

“No.” Sasuke lifted his new bottle to his lips.

Scowling, Kiba reached out and took the drink away before it reached its destination.

“Hey!”

He shook his head and hid the beer under the counter. “You’re cracking jokes. Any more and I’ll have to take your keys away and make you walk home.”

“That was-!” The hiss of shush’s forced Sasuke to lower his voice. “That was only my second beer!” he argued.

“And since when did you start cracking jokes while sober?” Kiba challenged.

“Since it was none of your business! Give me back my beer!”

Kiba’s mouth opened to argue further, but was interrupted by the sound of a solid thwack coming from the stage. Both men turned to find Naruto clutching his head in pain with Sakura hovering over him, her fist still clenched.

Taking the microphone away, Sakura continued to glare daggers at her ‘fiancé’. “No one needs to know about that, sweetie,” she stressed, causing laughter to ripple along with several shouts for another speech.

Stepping into the center of the spotlight, Sakura primly straightened her clothes before grasping the mic with both hands and casting a dazzling smile out over the audience.

And then her eyes locked on the bartender.

“Kiba,” she began in a voice of milk and honey. “I am going to kill you.”

Mindless of the cheering crowd, Kiba paled as he once again found himself fighting for bladder control. He promptly gave Sasuke his beer back and then opened another and gave that to him too.

“Drink that one for me,” he explained to the questioning glance. “You’ll come to my funeral, won’t you?”

“Funeral?” Sasuke snorted. “I’ll probably be the one burying your body,” he said as he lifted his original beer in a mock salute.

Kiba’s moth fell open. “You heartless bastard!” he shouted, though he doubted he was heard over the din as chants once again began.

Grumbling to himself, Kiba moved to return to his bartending duties, only to pause as he realized the mob’s demand was for a kiss from the happy couple. Even more shocking still was that it looked like Naruto and Sakura were actually moving in to do it. Jaw falling open, Kiba’s head whipped towards Sasuke to gage his reaction.

Sasuke’s back was ramrod straight as the two onstage connected. The crowd went wild leaving only Kiba to notice just how stony Sasuke’s profile went and the way the tendons in his hands were straining around the bottle in his grip.

Interesting.

As revelations dawned on Kiba, he figured that perhaps it would be a good idea to take away the man’s keys now and just let him drink for the night.

*

Sasuke’s hand ached as he forced his grip to relax around his drink. The feeling of jealousy was extremely foreign to him and he had no idea why he was experiencing it so strongly now. Especially since he had seen the two kiss once before. Maybe it was because Naruto seemed much more willing this time around?

Forcing himself to turn around and face the bar, Sasuke blinked as he found a rather fruity beverage placed before him.

“It’s the strongest thing we have,” Kiba said. “On the house.”

Sasuke scowled up at him, knowing better than to trust his old friend’s offer of free drinks. “Why is it on the house?”

“Because it’s not on the menu.” When Sasuke made no move to touch the drink, Kiba rolled his eyes. “It’s not on the menu because the guy who invented it decided to call it ‘Date Rape’ and that’s not exactly something we can sell.”

Sasuke decided he didn't want to ask why Kiba knew how to make a drink that had been banned by his boss. “You’re giving me a drink called Date Rape,” he stated instead.

“It’s the strongest drink on the house.”

“It’s called Date Rape,” Sasuke repeated.

“It’s the strongest drink on the house!”

“It looks fruitier than a bowl of Skittles.”

“It’s the strongest drink on the house!” Kiba stressed for the third time as if it made the situation any better.

Sasuke eyed the beverage skeptically. “I don’t think my mouth can reach it passed all the umbrellas and…frilly things.”

Kiba growled. “Look, do you want it or not?”

As Sasuke continued to do nothing but stare, Kiba reached out to take it back. Quickly holding his hand up to stop the man, Sasuke shook his head. “No, leave it. It gives me something to look at.”

Appearing affronted, Kiba stomped off to the other end of the bar, leaving Sasuke to entertain himself with his…Date Rape.

Taking another swig of his beer, Sasuke examined the new drink, watching the swirling colors inside the tall glass slowly mix into a more dull brown. It was topped with numerous fruits and whipped cream and a plethora of decorations, probably to distract the drinker from the potent mix beneath it all. Briefly wondering what it would taste like, Sasuke wondered if there was a way for him to actually try it without looking gay. Not that such a thing really mattered at this point in time, but it was a matter of pride.

Discreetly looking around to make sure he wasn’t the center of anyone’s attention, Sasuke pulled the drink closer and pulled two of the umbrellas out, uncovering the straw. Frowning, he leaned forward and took a cautious sip…

“Hey, Sasuke!”

…only to cough and sputter as he was slapped on the back.

Eyes watering as alcohol burned its way up his nasal cavity, Sasuke turned to glare at Naruto, who took no notice as he glanced around nervously before leaning forward. Intrigued by such behavior, Sasuke wiped his nose with a napkin before leaning in as well.

“Is this party really a good idea? I mean, it’s one thing if only a few of us know about what’s going on, but aren’t a lot of these people Sakura’s friends?” Naruto asked.

Sasuke stared; the implications were just too much. “You think I threw this party for you?”

It took a moment for Naruto’s brain to work. “You’re right,” he finally said, straightening a bit. “That’s giving you way too much credit.”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, already feeling the looming rant. “Don’t you dare start complaining about Hinata’s bir--”

“I mean, you took down the streamers we put up for Hinata’s birthday before she even showed up! I don't know what I was thinking with you having a hand in all of this.”

“I thought it was a prank!” Sasuke argued for what was quite possibly the thousandth time. “How the hell was I supposed to know it was for a party!”

“What else do you use streamers for?? If I hadn’t run down to that corner bakery and bought her a cake from the both of us, she would have thought nobody remembered it was her birthday and been all sad!”

“I wished her a happy birthday!” Sasuke defended. “And bought the both of you lunch!”

“It was your turn to buy lunch anyways,” Naruto snorted, ending the conversation. “Hey! Kiba! I need two beers and a daiquiri.”

Sasuke used the distraction to subtly push away the overly girly drink before him and pretend it wasn’t his. Unfortunately, Naruto noticed the movement.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“You don’t want to know,” Sasuke stated, taking his beer back in his hand.

“Is it yours?” Without waiting for an answer, Naruto pulled it closer,rotating the cup so that he could admire it. Deeming it pretty enough to drink, his mouth found the straw and a deep sip was taken before Sasuke could properly react.

“Hey!” Sasuke grabbed the drink away, causing many of the fruits and decorations to fall to the counter. “Don’t drink that!”

Naruto smacked his lips and swayed a little. “It’s good. Hey, Kiba! Make me one of those, too! Wha-? Stop shaking your head at him!” he said as he noticed what Sasuke was doing beside him.

“Kiba, cancel that order,” Sasuke demanded.

“No! Keep that order! I’ll give you…” Naruto dug through his pockets and pulled out a few wadded bills. “Two? Two dollars!”

Sasuke’s head fell into his hands. He did not have the energy to put up with a tipsy Naruto for a second time.

“Relax, Sasuke, I’m just kidding. Like I’d take such a gay drink back to the table.” For some reason Naruto found this to be funny and started laughing at his own joke. “Haha! Get it? It’s a gay drink and you ordered it when you’re supposed to be gay!”

Groaning, Sasuke stood and motioned to the closest bartender that he needed a glass of water before grabbing Naruto by the elbow to lead him back to his table where he belonged.

“You’ve had enough alcohol for one night,” he snapped. “I should take you home so you don’t blow your own cover.”

“Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow--” Naruto’s complaints stopped short with a gasp.

Turning his head, worried he might have actually hurt the idiot, Sasuke frowned as he noticed Naruto had gone unnaturally pale. Immediately loosening his grip, Sasuke found he couldn’t exactly examine for any damage when there was a sleeve in the way.

“What’s wrong?” he settled for asking instead. When no reply was forthcoming, Sasuke placed his hand on Naruto’s shoulder and repeated the question a little louder.

A trembling finger was raised. “That’s Gaara.”

Gaara? Who the hell was Gaara? Sasuke followed the direction of the finger to see a rather scary-looking redhead parting the crowd with ease as he made a beeline for Naruto. Eyes narrowing defensively, Sasuke automatically moved to partially shield his coworker from this person.

The newcomer barely paid him any mind, which didn’t really surprise Sasuke. This man almost looked like he belonged with Iruka’s and Kakashi’s lot. Tattoo on his face, heavily kohled eyes, ears pierced multiple times, leather pants, fishnet shirt, and an overkill of accessories, he looked like someone who wasn’t to be messed with.

“I need to borrow the groom-to-be for a bit.”

Sasuke’s head turned to the presence he hadn’t even noticed and realized it was the same person who Kiba had made a bet with earlier. Sasuke decided to immediately distrust him.

“Why?”

Kankuro rolled his eyes before motioning his head to Gaara. “Turns out my brother knows him. They took classes together and Gaara wants to put on a show.”

“That," his head dipped in Gaara's direction, "went to Hidden Leaf Academy?” Sasuke questioned skeptically. He was seriously starting to doubt the reputation of the school.

Rather that respond, Gaara’s hand moved to something at his belt, and Sasuke felt disbelief wash through him as he realized the man had an ornate Kukri resting at his hip.

Naruto shook his head. “Gaara, I don’t think--”

“For old times sake,” Gaara interrupted, his face serious.

“You can impress your fiancée,” Kankuro put in helpfully.

Naruto continued to shake his head, causing Gaara’s eyes to narrow.

“Regardless of what happened afterwards, you bonded yourself to the family. We have traditions.”

“Is this some kind of gang talk?” Sasuke’s eyes widened as he whirled around to look at Naruto. “You were in a gang?”

Gaara continued before Naruto could answer. “With this, you won’t have to worry about my forgiveness anymore.”

Naruto’s shoulders sagged in defeat. “Gaara, I…”

“What’s going on?” Sasuke asked sharply. “Naruto, is this why you were trying to leave?”

Coming to a decision, a spark seemed to return to Naruto’s eyes as he looked at Sasuke. “It’s fine, Sasuke. I’ll be right back.”

“Naruto!” Sasuke hissed angrily. “What’s going on?”

“You’ll see in a minute,” Naruto reassured. “Can you do me a favor and tell my senseis that Gaa-that the Sabaku clan is here? Don’t tell them it’s Gaara,” he pleaded as he moved around Sasuke to follow the two brothers.

Growling low in his throat, Sasuke stepped forward only to be stopped by Kankuro.

“Relax, will you? Blondie will be fine. Just deliver your message and if the senseis’ reactions aren’t positive, you can come find him, alright?”

It was a sound idea, Sasuke had to admit as Kankuro backed up and disappeared into the crowd, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. Regardless, Sasuke turned and continued to the table, logic telling him it would be better to get more information about this 'clan' from Naruto’s senseis before blindly charging after him.

At least that way he’d have something to go off of if he was stuck explaining a dead body to Tsunade.


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A/N: If you type 'kukri' in Google's image search, you'll know what Gaara's got. It's relevant for the next chapter :D