Here's to the Fox

A/N: here's chapter 7 real quick before i have to get ready for my concert. i hope everyone likes it! i'd say more about it if i wasn't in such a hurry! ja!

thanks again to all my reviewers. your words keep me strong!

*EDIT* okay, my concert went well, and i'm here to talk a little more. this chapter has a very OOC sasuke, so be warned. it also formally introduces an original character in way that i'm sure you'll remember from a previous chapter ^__^ heh heh. i should be able to update faster now since that dreaded philosophy paper is written and turned in. for those of you not keeping up with me... GET WITH IT! j/k, i love you all. y'all give me such praise i'd never be mad at any of you! *kisses and glomps and all those lovey things*

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Here's to the Fox: Chapter 7
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The giant gate of Konoha was looming before them, and even though his vacation had been cut short, Sasuke was indeed glad to be home. He turned his head to Naruto to playfully tell him ‘welcome back,’ but the blonde was staring off into the woods, and Kakashi was eyeing Naruto in a, now common, suspicious way.

“Sasuke-kuuuuuuuuuuun!”

There was that dreaded sound again, only in a tenor rather than the characteristic soprano. Sasuke looked over to the gate and saw a lithe form barreling towards him, streaming black hair billowing out behind it. The sun glinted off the metal of visible kunai, adding a somewhat… sparkly appearance. When it was almost upon him, all he could do was intake his breath waiting for the impact while Sakura screamed his name in the background. Sasuke closed his eyes. Nothing happened. Sasuke found himself looking down at the ground, a pile of tangled limbs and black and blonde hair at his feet.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am, I must’ve tripped.” Sasuke saw Naruto smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. What the hell was going on? This was the exact same thing that had happened to Sakura in Reihi! Then Sasuke realized what Naruto had said. He’d called the attacker ‘ma’am.’

“Get the fuck off me, you little shit! How dare you call me a woman! I am the great Igarashi Akira! If Kakashi-sensei weren’t here, I’d beat the shit out of you!”

“You would do no such thing.” Sasuke whipped his head around to Kakashi. While Akira was busy telling Kakashi that he would indeed kick Naruto’s ass as if Kakashi had been calling Akira weak, Sasuke knew better and was sure Kakashi was convinced that Naruto was quite skilled in the way of the shinobi.

“Sasuke, who is this girly man?” Sasuke managed to hide a smile while Akira sputtered indignantly.

“Just because I’m not loaded down with unnecessary muscle doesn’t mean I’m girly!”

“This, Naruto, is my other teammate that I told you about, Igarashi Akira. Now, Akira, if you don’t mind, we’d like to report to the Hokage before nightfall.”

“Of course, Sasuke-kun. Let’s go!”

The group headed through the open gate into Konoha. Sasuke saw Naruto stiffen out of the corner of his eye, knowing the blonde was wary of people discovering who he was. But that was near impossible. The only one who could possibly know was dead, for many years now.

Soon enough, Hokage Tower came into sight, steadily growing closer and closer. Sasuke was calm and collected on the outside, but inside he was nervous and jumpy. Yes, he’d decided to tell the Hokage nothing more than the Akatsuki was after Naruto, but he wasn’t confident that she wouldn’t physically beat the whole truth out of him. The Godaime was freakishly strong, after all. And she always seemed to know that others were lying, though Sasuke was convinced that she thought he was always lying simply because she still didn’t trust him completely, even though she’d been the one fighting for him when that whole mess was over…

Up the steps, past the guard, through the hallways, to more guards… Sasuke was fisting his hands so hard, his nails were cutting into his skin. Couldn’t this go any faster? He watched as one of the ANBU stationed outside the Hokage’s office knocked on the door. He heard a loud voice call for them to enter, and the doors flung open. Tsunade lifted her head from some scrolls unrolled across her desk, and smiled sadly.

“Uchiha, I’m so sorry I had to cut your vacation short. Come in.” They filed in and stood before the desk. “What do you want?” Sasuke was a bit taken aback. Hadn’t she sent for him?

“Uchiha-san has brought an outsider into the village with him.” Sasuke looked over to the ANBU member he hadn’t noticed entered with them, Yamanaka Ino. Thankfully Ino was on duty, or Sasuke had the sneaking suspicion that she and Naruto would be on the ground at his feet. But just where was the dobe? Sasuke turned to look behind Ino, but Tsunade cleared her throat for his attention.

“Did he now? Am I to assume that this person is some sort of souvenir, Sasuke?” Sasuke shrugged indifferently; he’d say nothing in the presence of certain people who didn’t need to know details. Tsunade exhaled her breath loudly in exasperation. “Fine. Thank you, Ino. Return to your post. And Sakura, could you go to the hospital and take care of Neji? He’s being a bit difficult today.”

“Sure thing, Hokage-sama.” The pink haired girl bounced out of the office.

“Akira, return to your post as well.” The brunette gave her a somewhat crestfallen look, but left nonetheless. Jiraiya announced that he was tired after the long journey and soon left too. Then there was only Kakashi and himself. “Sasuke, what is with the stranger?” The Uchiha said nothing.

“He said his name was Uzumaki Naruto.” Tsunade looked to Kakashi, stunned, then turned an incredulous eye to Sasuke. He had no idea why that name made everyone react like that, so he didn’t say anything. Sandaime couldn’t have possibly named Naruto before casting him aside. Why was that name so surprising?

“Uchiha Sasuke, you will spill everything this instant!” A flicker of surprise managed to flash across his face. That was… unexpected.

He cleared his throat. “Naruto is here because I asked him to be. He needs protection that only Konoha can give him.” Tsunade’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Sasuke, just what does he need protection from? You better not have brought even more trouble down upon this village, or so help you-”

“I don’t believe it will affect this village one bit in the negative. The ones after Naruto are the Akatsuki.” There was silence for a minute.

“Why in the world would Akatsuki be after this kid?”

“My… brother wants him. I don’t know the reason why.” Not quite a lie; Sasuke didn’t know what he was going to use Naruto for. “I’ve been informed that Akatsuki attacked Konoha and injured one of our best ninja. It was obviously a ploy to get me home, and you played right into their hands. Now my… brother will expect me to run out at first mention of him and fight like last time, but since we have someone he wants-”

“He’ll most assuredly come to us. You’re suggesting using this kid as bait?”

“Only if Naruto agrees. I promised him protection, and if he doesn’t want to aid us, then protection is what he’ll get. Whether he agrees or not really isn’t the case, however. There’s no doubt the Akatsuki has already reported his entrance into Konoha.”

“You have a point. All right, ask for his assistance. If he agrees, we’ll formulate a plan. If he doesn’t, we need to be ready for an attack on the village that could come at any time.” Sasuke took that as his dismissal and turned to leave. He noticed that Kakashi stayed behind, undoubtedly to speculate with the Hokage who the blonde really was. Like they’ll ever figure it out. Sasuke scoffed. But… why did they take such an interest in Naruto’s name?

Thinking back on it, Sasuke remembered that it was when Naruto said his name that Kakashi became suspicious and tried to dispel the henge. What the hell? There was no Uzumaki clan in Konoha. Of course, there was no longer an Uchiha clan either… Naruto had said that he was born in Konoha, so was there an Uzumaki somewhere?

Sasuke’s stomach rumbled. Stopping his train of thought for the prospect of real food, Sasuke quickened his step to the exit. But wait… Just where in the world had Naruto gone?

~*~

After looking everywhere and not finding the blonde, Sasuke was becoming a nasty combination of worried and angry. He’d questioned Sakura about Naruto’s whereabouts when he’d stopped by the hospital, but she said the blonde had been with her there for only a few minutes before he nearly ran out of the place. That’s what had him worried. What could have made Naruto run away? And the anger just came from the fact that he couldn’t find him, and he was starving.

“Oh, I bet Ino will have puppies when she sees him!”

“Yeah, they say two blondes can’t get along.”

Sasuke turned in the direction of the voices. “Excuse me, who are you taking about?” God dammit!

“Sasuke-kuuuuuuuuuuun!” The twin shouts of the Uchiha Sasuke Fan Club battle cry nearly made him run for cover, but his need to find Naruto and see if the dobe was fine out-weighed the fear and revulsion.

“Stop! Just tell me if you’re talking about a guy about this tall with blonde hair and blue eyes.” They agreed to Sasuke’s assessment, batting their eyes at him, hoping giving him information would win his favor. “Where was he?”

“He was at the Hokage monument.” Sasuke didn’t even thank them as he whipped around toward the mountain. Once he was out of Konoha proper, he activated his Sharingan and used the Fox’s lightning speed. Something was definitely wrong for Naruto to go so far away.

Coming to a clearing just above the monument faster than he ever had before, Sasuke came to a stop when he spotted the blonde. Naruto was sitting atop Yondaime’s head, weight back on his hands behind him, legs over the side, alternating little kicks upward.

“Hey, dobe.”

“Sasuke-teme! What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question. Why did you run out of the hospital?”

“Hn. That Hyuuga-san kind of freaked me out. He was talking with Sakura-chan, and then when she left for a moment, he turned to me and his eyes got all vein-y, and he had this fierce look of concentration on his face. I was seriously nervous, believe it. Then after a minute, he kind of let out this surprised breath. It was just really weird, so I left.”

“Why did you run?”

Naruto was silent for a moment, and then exhaled slowly. “Well, it was more than a surprised breath. More like a surprised exclamation.”

“What did he say?”

“Kyuubi.” Faint, hesitant. Naruto was more than freaked out. He was damn near frightened. Damn Sakura for taking him to the hospital! Now he had to talk to Neji before the Hokage checked up on him.

“Naruto, I’m going to talk to Neji. Come with me and stay outside. Then we can get something to eat.”

“Ramen?”

“Whatever. I’m sure Ichiraku’s will be more than fine with serving a ramen addict like you.”

Naruto smiled at him, and he was reminded once again that his friendship with the blonde was probably turning into something more on his part. He held out his hand for Naruto to take, and when he did, Sasuke’s hand tingled. What the hell was that about?

Together they ran back into Konoha proper and walked at a brisk pace to the hospital. None of the nurses were currently near Neji, so Sasuke stepped toward his bed.

“Hyuuga, we need to talk.”

“I think we do, Uchiha. Why did you bring that thing to Konoha?”

“Don’t you dare call him that, you worm.” Sasuke’s voice was chilling, but Neji was one of the only people who could take his ice and glares in stride… outwardly. Inside, he probably cringed like everyone else, scared that Sasuke would do something unpredictable and deadly. “I came here to ask nicely not to say anything about him, but since you’re going to be like that, this is how it’s going to go: You tell one person about Naruto, and I’ll personally see that you and yours are put through a living hell. I may be the last Uchiha, but my name still carries more weight than yours ever will.”

Neji just glared at him, but in his eyes was a faint trace of fear at the implied threat to his precious cousin. Not that Sasuke would ever do anything harmful or damaging to a girl. But he’d say just about anything to get his way, especially if it came to Naruto. Sasuke gave him one last glare before he turned and joined Naruto outside.

“Ready for that ramen?”

“You bet!” Naruto laughed, but it quickly trailed off. “Is he going to tell anyone?”

“He’d be a fool if he did.”

They continued walking in silence until they came upon Ichiraku’s. Naruto laughed in delight and began a brisk jog to the entrance. Sasuke smiled and shook his head, following as quickly as decorum allowed. When he entered, he sat down next to the already seated blonde and ordered for the both of them, three bowls of miso pork and one of beef. Naruto looked at him with eyes watery with gratitude, and he couldn’t keep from laughing at the sight. And the night continued in the same way, but a problem arose when dinner was over.

“Sasuke, where am I going to sleep? I didn’t bring any money with me!”

“You’re such a dobe. I guess you can stay with me. I have room.”

“Ah, thank you, Sasuke!” Naruto made to hug him, but Sasuke stopped him. It was one thing to do it in front of Kakashi and Sakura, quite another to do it in front of Konoha. Naruto looked a little sad at the refusal, but his chipper attitude made a comeback rather quick. So they began the walk to the Uchiha district. Once there, Sasuke made it a point to stare straight ahead of him, not looking at the streets and deserted buildings. It had almost gotten to the point where he could ignore them completely, but all this talk about him just had it all rushing back.

The two came upon the main house, and Sasuke unlocked the door. Naruto made a weird sound, half amazement, half jealousy, as he took off his sandals.

“This is where you live? It’s so huge!” They walked further into the house, Naruto sticking his head into every doorway, while Sasuke tensed more and more waiting for the inevitable question. “So, Sasuke, how come you live here alone?” Well, it wasn’t the expected ‘where is everybody?’ but it carried the same weight.

“That’s none of your business.” Cold, icy. Damn, he’d been hoping that since it was Naruto asking his normal shields wouldn’t come up. He turned to face Naruto, noticing the blank stare directed his way. “The guest bedroom is on the second floor, and a bathroom is connected to it. Why don’t you get some sleep?”

Naruto nodded silently and headed for the stairs. When he was out of sight, Sasuke let out a sigh. He’d probably just ended the only friendship he’d ever had. But he was on his way to ruining it anyway, wasn’t he? It was obvious he was lusting after the blonde. Even if Naruto understood, their friendship would be strained, and he couldn’t take it if he had to see that blank look on Naruto’s face all the time as he’d just seen now.

Sasuke trudged silently up the stairs to the third floor where his bedroom was. Disrobing automatically, he jumped in the shower. He was half afraid of what might happen while under the hot spray, but he merely stared at the wall blankly while the water beat down on his chest. Stepping out of the shower, Sasuke pulled on boxers and a pair of sweats and climbed into bed. But his mind wouldn’t let him sleep. It was trying to make Sasuke believe that Naruto had somehow found out that the Uchiha was lusting after him.

He was actually just a little confused, though. If this feeling for Naruto was just lust, why did it hurt so much to think of the blonde not being his friend, not laughing or smiling in his presence? Why did it feel good just talking with Naruto, even walking silently side-by-side if it was just lust?

But what the hell else could it be?

~*~

Sasuke woke up to a smell he hadn’t known since his mother had died. A little apprehensive, he cautiously made his way downstairs to the kitchen. Standing in the doorway, he saw Naruto stirring miso on the stove, and his guilt just piled up even more.

He’s spent the better part of the previous night thinking about what a bastard he’d been. Naruto had selflessly shared his painful story, and what had Sasuke given in return? Icy disdain. But he wanted to keep the blonde as a friend, so he’d decided that he’d swallow his pride and tell Naruto. Besides, wasn’t he supposed to ask for his help? And Naruto needed to know everything if he was going to lend a hand.

“Naruto, can I talk to you?”

“Ohayo, Sasuke! Would you like some breakfast?” A million watt smile was directed his way, but it lacked something that other smiles had had in the past.

“In a minute. First, I want to apologize for snapping at you last night. I shouldn’t have done that after you told me about your past.” Naruto moved the pot of miso from the burner and turned off the stove.

“It’s okay, Sasuke. I should have known not to ask you.”

“No, Naruto, it’s not okay! It’s just… really hard for me to talk about it.”

“I’ll listen whenever you want me to.”

“Then listen now.” Sasuke cleared his throat. “When I was seven, my brother killed my entire clan.” Sasuke had been looking down, but when he heard a loud noise, his head shot up. Naruto had dropped the utensil he’d been using, and now his hand was covering his mouth. Sasuke continued.

“I came home, and bodies and blood covered the streets. Some were still breathing, trying to get me to run. So I did. I ran here. I now know that I probably shouldn’t have. There was blood everywhere. I ran upstairs to my parents’ room. I heard some noises that might have been screams, but my heart was beating too loudly in my ears to tell. I opened their door, and my brother was killing my mother, my father already dead.

“I screamed with everything I had. Not that it would do me any good. The Uchiha district is so far from everything else. But that image is forever burned into my mind: my brother standing over my dying mother, drenched in my parents’... my clan’s blood. He smiled at me…”

Sasuke’s voice faltered. His vision swam with unshed tears, but they finally slid down his cheeks when two arms encircled him. He let out a breathy sob and clung to the solid presence before him.

“He fucking smiled at me! He said something about joining them, and I started to plead for my life. What the hell was I supposed to do Naruto, stand up and fight?! I was fucking seven years old! My mother had just been killed before my eyes! What the fuck was I supposed to do?”

He was screaming now, but he didn’t care. At some point, he and Naruto had slid to their knees on the floor, Naruto rocking his shaking body back and forth. He could hear Naruto whispering that there was nothing he could have done, and for the first time in fifteen years, he believed it.

Naruto continued to rock him as his tears slowly subsided. He was whispering stupid little encouragements and endearments in his ear that really did nothing, and he must have realized this because the whispering soon stopped to be replaced by light butterfly kisses. Sasuke was too emotionally drained to be surprised, so he just sighed and leaned into Naruto’s warmth.

But his old nightmares and fears soon awakened, that this wasn’t real, that soon he would wake up and the warmth would be gone. He wanted it to last. He didn’t want it gone. Acting without thinking, he lifted his head as Naruto’s lips moved down his cheek, and their lips met. Naruto was taken aback and made to move away, but Sasuke quickly reached up and grabbed his head, forcing their lips back together.

It was desperate and clumsy, but it was just what Sasuke needed to keep the nightmare at bay. His tongue traced the seam of Naruto’s lips, and the blonde hesitantly opened them. Sasuke’s tongue quickly delved in, turning the kiss deep and passionate. The Uchiha moved his body so that he was straddling Naruto’s thighs, his clothed groin enticingly close to Naruto’s own.

While Sasuke’s pale fingers laced through blonde hair, Naruto’s hands moved down the Uchiha’s bare back until they reached the globes of his ass. Strong fingers squeezed, making Sasuke gasp into Naruto’s mouth, and the blonde lifted Sasuke somewhat and pulled him closer.

They both cried out softly when their erections rubbed together, and their lips crashed back together in another frenzied kiss. Sasuke’s fingers were just starting to scramble at the hem of Naruto’s shirt when a sound behind them made them freeze.

“Ohayo, Sasuke and Naruto-kun.” Sasuke glared at Kakashi, the masked man’s one eye crinkled in amusement. “I was supposed to tell you last night that the Hokage wishes to speak with you and Naruto-kun right away. Naruto-kun, she wants to meet you.”

TBC


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did that curb some of y'all's appetite? ahahaha! next chapter is the much anticipated arrival of gaara. does anyone want a love triangle, cause i am soooooooo tempted to write it in. oh, let me add that if i do so, it will not end in a threesome or heartache. i'm just a sucker for true love like that.