The Grim Reaper

A/N: Ah well *rubs neck* long time no see! Now please put your pitch forks away. I'm sorry, hopefully no-ones forgotten about this story...And if you have I can't really blame you >.< But here it is, the next chapter!



Warnings: Language. That's about it me thinks.

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Sasuke sat glaring at the only invitation he’d failed to send out. He’d hand written the invite and sealed it away in an envelope, his small ornate handwriting adorned it.



(i)Orochimaru

The Underworld.(/i)



The glare he was sending the envelope should have made it combust. It had taken longer than it should have to track the ex-God of Death down, and it puzzled Sasuke as to why the man was lurking in the Underworld.



The Underworld was not somewhere Gods often visited, mainly because it was nightmarish. Sasuke had only been once, to satisfy his curiosity. Once had been enough for him. It wasn’t the traditional fire and brimstone most humans feared, Sasuke wasn’t sure if anything like that even existed, after all he was still very much alive and he considered himself to be a good person.



No, it wasn’t a hellish world of fire, smoke and torture. It was dark and cool, it stank of rot, decaying wood and musty earth. And only very occasionally (or so Sasuke had been told) blood. The Underworld was not a place for souls or Gods, it was a place that housed great evil. In many caves lurked fearsome demons, soul eaters. The only things that could truly test a Gods immortality.



Luckily for Gods and humans alike these beasts were sealed beneath The Underworld, but if they escaped the destruction would be catastrophic, bordering on apocalyptic. They fed on souls, sucking the essence of life right out of a person, leaving only a bloody and mutilated corpse. Those souls would never be free to pass on, their essence powering the demons for eternity.



When Sasuke had been walking through the dark tunnels of the Underworld, water dripping from the ceiling and pooling around his feet, he’d encountered the most fearsome demon of them all. The Kyuubi. The giant red fox demon grinned at him, nine tails swishing behind it. Sasuke and the demon stared at one another for an insurmountable amount of time. Then the beast laughed, a loud booming laugh that echoed around the small tunnel, it’s red eyes dancing, and then turned and left the stunned Uchiha.



After that Sasuke hadn’t bothered going back, feeling damn lucky to even be alive. He wondered why the Gods let the creatures live. They had their uses however, Sasuke just wasn’t sure what they were and he wouldn’t damage his pride by asking.



So why was Orochimaru endangering himself by living with the demons? True the snake man sometimes acted more like a monster than the demons themselves, but Sasuke was fairly certain that, that fact wouldn’t stop him from being killed. Then what was it? What was so important that Orochimaru would risk himself getting harmed?



Yellow eyes.

Purple rimmed eyes.

What was the significance?



Sasuke sighed, and they called him a genius? Fortunately for Sasuke Naruto burst into the room, a broad smile on his tanned face, pulling Sasuke out of his morbid thoughts. Casting another look at the invitation, he preformed a quick spell and the paper burst into flames, earning a shocked look from Naruto. So he knew a few fire spells? Big deal. Deciding that even if he didn’t know what the ex-God was up too, Sasuke knew he wanted Naruto kept as far away from him for as long as possible.



“Hey teme, where’s all the ramen?” Naruto’s chirpy voice enquired.



“Bottom shelf dobe.” Sasuke replied with a roll of his eyes. A privilege he’d never allowed himself before Naruto’s arrival.



“So! Party day today huh? You really didn’t have to go to so much trouble.” Naruto laughed nervously, a hand crept upwards to rub the back of his neck.



“It’s no trouble.”



The whistle of the kettle claimed Naruto’s attention, Sasuke watched in fascination and horror as Naruto poured the boiling water into the instant ramen pot, stirred, then practically inhaled his food. Suddenly Sasuke wasn’t feeling very hungry.



“Dobe, what are you wearing tonight?”



Naruto turned and cocked an eyebrow. “Wearing? Clothes probably.”



Sasuke felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance, “Yes dobe, I’m perfectly aware you’ll have clothes on. However it’s a formal party, so what are you going to wear?”



Naruto visibly paled, then coughed violently to dislodge the noodles clogging his throat.



“I…I don’t own any formal clothes teme! Why’d you have to go make it formal anyway?!” Naruto screeched, arms flailing around him.



“You must own something remotely formal. A shirt and a pair of trousers?”



Sasuke watched as Naruto’s shoulders slumped and he let out a loud sigh. “Jeez teme, don’t scare me like that. I thought you meant a tux or something. I don’t know what you people consider formal now do I?”



Naruto dropped down beside him at the dining table, another two bowls of ramen in his position. Sasuke looked over the slim man wondering where he put all the food because it certainly didn‘t cause him to gain weight. Conversation continued between slurps of ramen, and Sasuke could safely say it was the most peaceful breakfast the two had shared since the blondes invasion of his house.



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It had been an hour. A whole fucking hour since the party started and still no dobe. Sasuke was getting pretty sick of people asking where his new ‘pet’ was, and the smirks Itachi was firing his way was working his last nerve.



“Sasuke-kun.” A feminine voice purred out. Sasuke glanced towards the crowd of Gods and Demi-Gods and spotted the ominous glow of pink hair. Before he could make his escape manicured hands claimed him and forced him into a hug, once released a fist as hard as a tree truck pounded against his arm.



Great. That was going to leave a mark.



Trying not to show any injury he squared up to his foe-er-friend.



“Sakura, how nice of you to join us this evening.” Sasuke took pleasure in the scowl that twisted the Goddess’ pretty face.



“Drop that act Sauske. Everyone’s been talking about this Naruto of yours. Why haven’t you been to see me already? All I know is what Ino told me, and you know I hate it when she gets the gossip first!”



“She always gets the gossip first Sakura, she’s The Fate of The Present.” Sakura huffed and folded her arms.



“You know what I mean, you should have visited anyway, I’ve missed you.”



“I’m sorry Sakura, I know I should have. But I’ve been busy, you know, sorting out Naruto.” Sasuke pointed out, Sakura nodded her head quickly and smiled sweetly.



“So where is he then?” She inquired, head spinning backwards and forwards in a desperate hunt to find the blonde haired angel she’d heard so much about.



“That’s a damn good question. Will you excuse me whilst I go find him?” Sasuke didn’t give her a chance to respond and glided past her, eyes desperately searching the large room.



Then he saw it, a small glint of blonde, his eyes honed in on his target to see Naruto standing in the far corner with another man. Sasuke didn’t know what made him do it, but one minute he was gracefully walking towards Naruto and the next he was pulling the grey-haired man away from Naruto, throwing him a small distance across the room.



Naruto stood, eyes wide and mouth agape as he watched Sauke fling the man away from him. He was surprised to find he didn’t mind all that much, the man had been a bit of a pervert. He took in Sasuke’s appearance slowly, tight black clothing hugged at Sasuke’s slim, muscular frame, making his skin appear almost silvery and glowing. Naruto licked his lips absentmindedly as he watch muscles ripple beneath the cloth covering Sasuke’s body.



“You look presentable.” Sasuke’s voice cut through his admiration.



“Huh, you don’t look too bad yourself teme.” Naruto responded with a wide grin.



Sasuke took a brief moment to ogle Naruto, he wore white trousers and a tight fitting blue silk shirt that wrapped around his torso nicely, the golden key hung around his neck, shimmering in the light. He’d also adorned his white cloak for the occasion. Although he’s hair was still in complete chaos, but Sasuke decided it was better that way.



Sasuke presented Naruto with a small smile before gabbing his arm.



“Shall we?”



Instead of following Sasuke Naruto shifted on his feet, his face marred with a worried frown.



“Erm, maybe we should go check on that guy, you threw him quite a distance Sasuke, he may be hurt.” Naruto mumbled.



The quiet chuckle from behind him caused Naruto to spin around in alarm.



“Ye of little faith Naruto.” The grey-haired man chimed,his one visible eye shining with humour. Sasuke stood beside Naruto protectively, knowing the pervert before him all too well.



“Kakashi, so glad you could make it.” The words were spoken politely yet coldly which only caused the other mans eye to crinkle as he laughed merrily.



“Now, now Sasuke aren’t you going to introduce us properly.”



“Why? You already know his name.” Sasuke snapped back.



“Why indeed I do yes. But so does everyone at this party, are you not going to introduce him to anyone then? That’s not being a very good host, I thought your father would have taught you better.”



Sasuke huffed. “Naruto, this is Kakashi the God of Lust.”



“Errr, nice to meet you?” Naruto responded, the statement sounding more like a question.



The grey-haired man threw up his hands as if to dismiss the statement.



“No, no! Naruto the pleasure is all mine.”



“KAKASHI!!!” The cry echoed around the large dining hall, the decorations shaking dangerously. Sasuke and Naruto’s head swiftly spun in the direction of the commotion. A dark haired man in a white suit came striding up towards the three or them, a look of murderous rage on his scarred face.



“What did I tell you Kakashi, it’s formal dress. FORMAL! You look like you’ve been standing in a field, you do realise you’re not actually a scarecrow?!” The man fumed, jabbing Kakashi in his chest. Kakashi for the most part didn’t look alarmed, in fact he seemed happy with the attention.



“And you’re not actually a dolphin my darling Iruka but you’re as cute as one.” Kakashi purred out, placing a quick kiss on the smaller males cheek.



“Your charming act isn’t going to work so just drop it. And why are you wearing that stupid mask to a party?”



“I think it makes me look more mysterious, wouldn’t you agree?”

“If by mysterious you mean foolish then yes.”



“It’s foolish to have a great conversational piece?”



Sasuke decided it was time to intervene before every member of the party began to stare.



“Ahem, gentleman, could you continue your lovers tiff some other time. Iruka I’d like to introduce you to Naruto.”



Iruka looked at the blonde haired boy and smiled widely before embracing him. Naruto hugged he back awkwardly, slightly shocked at the enthusiastic greeting yet happy at the warm welcome he was receiving. After all Sasuke wasn’t one for displays of affection and he’d been lacking the attention since his death and subsequently disappearing act. After a long and friendly hug Irkua released him, still beaming.



“Welcome Naruto! It’s so nice to have you as part of our family. I’m Iruka and this bumbling idiot is my partner Kakashi, although I suspect Sasuke’s already introduced you.”



Naruto nodded “When you say partner Iruka do you mean like colleagues?”



Iruka blushed and looked at the ground, fidgeting on his feet slightly. However Kakashi swooped in and saved the Iruka the embarrassment of answering.



“No, like lovers Naruto.”



Sasuke watched Naruto carefully, gauging the other mans reaction. After all Sasuke didn’t even know what Naruto’s opinion on homosexuality was, he lived in the modern era where it was more acceptable to be gay, but some families were very religious.



“Oh, fair enough.” Naruto responded with a shrug. The nonchalant answer relieved Sasuke, but he wasn’t really sure why.



“So what do you do then Iruka, God of the Ocean?” Naruto inquired, his cheerful voice removing all the previous tension and embarrassment hovering in the air.



“Oh no, I’m the God of Love.” Iruka said, another happy smile in place.



“Lust and Love together hey? Very appropriate.” Naruto commented.



Both Iruka and Kakashi laughed. “Well we both have to work together quite closely, so I guess it’s how we ended up together.” Iruka explained as Kakashi wrapped an arm around his waist.



“It’s been nice talking to you both but I’m afraid we better go mingle, the other Gods and Goddess’s will be wanting to meet Naruto.” Sasuke gripped at Naruto’s arm gently ready to lead him away and into the crowd of curious Gods.



“Oh of course! Hopefully I’ll see you again soon Naruto, it’s been very nice meeting you.”



“Likewise.” Naruto called over his shoulder with a wave as Sasuke dragged him away.



Sasuke and Naruto flowed through the group of people. Sasuke introducing Naruto to the numerous Gods, Goddesses and Demi-Gods. Naruto had met so many people he could barely remember which face went to which name and their roles as Gods.



He’d complied a mental list so far:



Sasori and Dedreia the muses. They appeared to enjoy fighting over which persons art was superior.

Sakura the Goddess of Nature. Or Mother Nature as she preferred to be referred to. She was apparently one of Sasuke’s closest friends, Sasuke had admitted to it reluctantly and only after Naruto had asked if they were a couple.

Pein the God of War. He wasn’t much of a talker.

Kisame the God of the Sea. Naruto couldn’t stop staring at the man’s sharkish appearance, no wonder he was God of the Sea.

The Fates Tsunade, Ino and Hinata. For some reason he felt he’d seen Ino before in a dream. He was also feeling nervous with the way Hinata had smiled anc said that his future looked bright.

Kakashi the God of Lust. He reminded him of his Godfather.

Iruka the God of Love. With his compassionate and caring nature it was easy to see why he’s gained that title.

Sai the messenger God. His distant smile and empty eyes worried Naruto and also made him determined to befriend him to see the man smile properly.



Then there’d been the Gods of Death. Itachi and Madara. Naruto couldn’t understand how Sasuke was related to such malicious people, with their constant snide remarks and cool looks. But then he realised Sasuke was just as cool and distance, he only really relaxed around Naruto. Naruto didn’t like the way Sasuke acted around them, almost as if he was afraid.



“So, Naruto is it? How’re you finding living with Sasuke. I know his accommodation isn’t much but what do you expect from an incompetent Grim Reaper?” Itatchi asked, voice polite yet cold and almost vicious. Naruto scowled up at the taller man, blue eyes locked with black.



“Actually, Itachi was it? I enjoy living with Sasuke and his accommodation is very nice. Sadly the same cannot be said about his some of his self centred family members.” Itachi’s eyes widened slightly at the retort, shocked at the blonde mans boldness. Madara laughed at the exchange, whilst Sasuke looked everywhere but at the three men.



“Well, well, well Sasuke haven’t you found a fiery companion. Guess he takes after his father.” Madara said cheerfully, but Sasuke didn’t miss the way the crimson eyes narrowed as they observed Naruto. Naruto flinched at the mention of his father as realisation dawned in Sasuke. Shit! He hadn’t told Naruto about his father. It had totally slipped his mind in the insanity that had been Naruto moving into his home.



“What do you know about my father?” Naruto asked, incredulous at the mention of his dad. Madara grinned and licked his lips, looking like a hyena before devouring it’s prey. Sasuke grasped Naruto’s wrist ready to pull him away and tell him everything away from the prying eyes of Itachi and Madara.. Then the doors slammed open, and Sasuke knew who it was before he even heard the cheerful voice echo around the vast dining hall.



“Sorry I’m late I-” Minato fell silent as Naruto turned, eyes locked with those of his fathers, eyes almost identical to his own. His father who had been dead for nearly ten years. Minato began to walk forward slowly, eyes fixed on his son. Naruto didn’t move, as if someone had glued his feet to the ground, although his hands shook with shock. Sasuke was afraid Naruto was going to faint, without thinking he grabbed one of the shaking hands, holding it tightly in his own, his fingers rubbing his palm in a comforting gesture.



Minato was almost in front of them now and Naruto had seemed to have found his voice, but the shaking hadn’t stopped.



“D-Dad?” He stammered, afraid to ruin the moment. Almost as if his voice would break whatever wonderful spell had allowed him to see his father again. Naruto was terrified, afraid it was a dream, afraid all of it was a cruel trick by his subconscious, he’d wake any second in his bed and his Godfather’s voice would be the only greeting.



But the spell wasn’t broken. He didn’t wake. Instead the man that had to be his father grinned at him and nodded. Naruto detached his hand from Sasuke, which caused Sasuke to frown he’d been enjoying the warmth of Naruto’s hand and the softness of his skin. Naruto then covered the remaining distance between him and his father quickly then fell into the awaiting arms of his father, arms that quickly embraced him tightly as if afraid the boy before him would disappear.



“D-Dad?” Naruto’s voice cracked as he forced back the tears.



“Yes Naruto?” Minato answered, voice equally as broken, both men refusing to cry. Sasuke watched the exchange with a small smile as Naruto buried his face deeper into Minato’s shoulder.



“Where’s mum?” Sasuke saw Minato stiffen, the room filled with tension as the guests continued to watch the reunion of father and son silently.



“She- She couldn’t be here son.” Naruto looked up at his father, eyes wide and watery with tears. “She- She passed on.”



“Passed-passed on?” Naruto couldn’t stop the tears now. He’d gotten his father back, but his mother wasn’t here, they still weren’t the family they once were. They were still missing the final piece of the puzzle.



“She went on to a better place Naruto, I promise she’s happy where she is.” Minato was rubbing his Naruto’s back., desperately trying to comfort his son, eyes pleaded with the young man to understand.



“How can she be happy without us dad?”



Minato didn’t have an answer to that and Naruto knew it. They stood in uncomfortable silence for a long time, hugging each other tightly until the tears stopped.



“Why are you here dad?” Naruto knew he couldn’t bring his mother back, but at least he had these moments with his father now. Minato’s dazzling grin was back and he laughed merrily, breaking the hug with his son.



“So nosy Naruto! It’s a long story son, I’ll tell you soon enough but at this moment it’s not the time, regardless here I am. The leader of the Gods of Death, pretty prestigious position don’t you think.” Minato winked and Naruto returned the grin.



Naruto looked back over to the two brooding Uchiha God’s of Death. Each stared grimly at Naruto and his father, completely unmoved by the exchange. Naruto caught Sasuke’s eye and saw the small smile on the others lips, it warmed his heart to know the man wasn’t completely made of stone and it also made his stomach flip to know that maybe the man truly cared about Naruto’s happiness.



“Eh?! Dad, how could you work with those two miserable bastards?” Minato roared with laughter at his son’s bluntness and the look of murderous rage on his partners faces.



“They keep me entertained I assure you Nartuo.” Minato caught Sasuke eye “Ahhh Sasuke, thank you for inviting me and for convincing my son to join your league. I guess I’m doubly in your debt.”



“Hey, teme! Did you know my dad was a God of Death?”



Sasuke shifted on his feet as those blue eyes glared at him, reminding him of the time Minato had scolded him about failing to free a soul. He could feel Itachi’s eyes on his back, probably enjoying Sasuke’s blatant discomfort. Sasuke forced himself to stop fidgeting and stared back at Naruto.



Act cool, act cool, act cool.



“Hn, dobe. Do I have to tell you everything?” Sasuke smirked as Naruto waved his hands around in rage, mouth opening and closing rapidly as he forced himself to think of the right way to insult Sasuke.



“Sasuke…You…You…Gah! TEME!” Naruto lurched forward determined to smash his fit into those perfect smirking lips but Minato grabbed onto his cloak, laughing once again.



“Now, now Naruto. Sasuke’s teasing and don’t forget, he reunited us, you owe him one.”



“Yeah dobe, you owe me. Now behave.” Sasuke taunted, enjoying how Naruto seemed to go crimson with suppressed rage, steam practically pouring from his ears.



“Well now all the drama’s over I guess we can continue with the party,” Minato turned to face the gaggle of onlookers “Nothing to see here now folks, as you were.”



The audience continued to converse with one another and Minato and Naruto approached the three Uchiha, Naruto still fuming at Sasuke’s teasing. The Gods of Death stood together, Minato chatting to the others, ignoring the glares and aura of evil rolling off the other men. Naruto stood beside Sasuke and attempted conversation, soon forgetting his rage.



Another hour late the party was in full swing. Minato had drank enough to have dragged out a karaoke machine and was currently singing a song, which song no-one could tell from the slurring and the poor attempt at hitting the right notes. Sasuke was too busy wondering where the karaoke machine had even come from to even worry about the toneless singing , he knew he didn’t own one. Even Itachi and Madara seemed to be having a good time.



Naruto was chatting merrily to Sakura near Sasuke. Sasuke had been forced into conversation with Kakashi again, he now knew more than he ever needed too about lube. Ino was chatting to Sai and Sasuke eyes nearly popped out of his sockets when he thought he saw Sai smile. All in all the party was a success.



Then the doors slammed open again and the room fell silent. The lighting flickered as a large gush of air oozed into the room, white fog swirled across the floor and around the doorway obscuring the view. A dark shadow loomed in the doorway, it began slowly walking forward, the sound of it’s shoes hitting the tiled floors echoed around the room. Sasuke felt as if the whole rooms temperature had plummeted to below freezing as the figure emerged from the haze. A tall pale man stood smiling, black hair tumbled down his shoulders and over his snake skinned suit. A grey-haired, spectacled man followed closely at his heels. Sasuke’s onyx eyes met purple rimmed, yellow eyes. Recognition hit Sasuke like a speeding train but he didn’t have time to berate himself for missing the obvious as he suddenly felt the rush of air as Naruto swiftly hid behind him, gripped his hand and whispered in his ear.



“Sasuke, it’s him.”



Sasuke felt the slight trembling of Naruto’s body that was gently pressing against his back.



“Sasuke-kun, I’m offended. I failed to receive an invite to this joyous gathering.” Yellow eyes shined, then locked onto Naruto. A purple tongue lolled out of the mans mouth and swiped at his lower lips, a greedy look in his feral eyes. “I drop by to say hello to my favourite Reaper and walk in on a welcome party. Now Sasuke-kun why wouldn’t you want me here I wonder?” Those eyes flickered between Naruto and Sauke repeatedly. The man smiled, in Sasuke’s opinion Madara was no longer the scariest man in the room.



Sasuke felt his heart-rate increase as the grip on his hand tightened.



(i)Orochimaru.(/i)



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Well what did you think. I honestly didn't like this chapter. Why? Because I don't think I wrote Naruto's and Minato's reunion right T.T You all know by now that critique and compliments are adored :D