Societal Gap

Societal Gap

Painful Memories

A/N: Sigh, I received very few reviews last chapter. Which is partly why it took me so ridiculously long to write this ridiculously short chapter. Was the last chapter really that bad? Ah well, this chapter is, as I said, pretty short. But we’re moving the story along and the next chapters should be pretty fun… and longer. Hope you like it. Oh yeah, thanks to baos157 for helping me with some of my plot holes and the spectacular Apythii who has improved my writing already. I probably should have sent this to you one more time to look over my last changes but I couldn’t wait to post it. Hopefully it’s a little smoother.

Warning: I dunno, some language probably

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything from the Naruto world; I just like to play in it.

The afternoon had dragged and though Sasuke had endeavored to keep his mind on the task at hand, it was to no avail. While the town council blathered on about the same topic they had for almost two months, his mind kept drifting back to the blonde he’d seen on the street earlier, the blonde he’d known two years ago; and the three best days of his life that they had shared. ‘Could it really be him? Does he know I’m here?’ The dark haired man’s heart jumped at his next thought. ‘Did he come to find me?’ The obnoxious, stocky man was speaking animatedly about something now, waving his arms wildly. Sasuke smirked in spite of himself, deciding he would waste no time in finding out. At least it would provide something appealing for him to do. He stood up suddenly, surprising the men at the table.

“We’re not getting anywhere. Let’s call it a day and pick it up here tomorrow.” The council men looked at him shocked but nodded in agreement and filed out. Sasuke turned to Genma, his bodyguard for the evening.

“Genma, I have someone I want to find in town. Do you know someone named Uzamaki?”

“Uh, yeah, the blonde healer we hired a couple months ago. Why?”

“Shut up. We’re going to watch him. And I don’t want him to know about it either.” Sasuke headed out into the cool evening air, a very confused knight following closely.

Sasuke, stalked the blonde and his friend as they ambled through the town, sharingan marking every subtle move. He had been following them for almost an hour but it was difficult to play nonchalant as one of his knight had to be with him at all times. The pair moseyed their way through the crowds of people, oblivious to the seething fury following behind. Sasuke clenched his fists every time Haku touched Naruto, nails digging painfully into his palms. Resentment boiled inside of the pale young man. ‘He’s forgotten all about me. He probably wouldn’t even recognize me. He’s… found someone else.’ The raven man ground his teeth painfully as Naruto reached up and brushed powdered sugar from Haku’s bottom lip, immediately sliding the sweetened thumb into to his mouth. Sasuke wanted the blonde to touch him again; to taste Naruto’s sweet lips; to touch his tanned body. But since that was no longer an option, he settled on making the blonde as miserable as he was.

Naruto and Haku laughed at the jesters and applauded the jugglers that they passed. Naruto sighed and smiled at his fair skinned, dark haired counterpart. He thoroughly enjoyed Haku’s company but some times when he inclined his head in a certain light the resemblance to his old lover was striking. Naruto tried to shake off the depression and rage that threatened to wash over his features, forcing his face back into a smile. Why was Sasuke still even on his mind at all? They had known each other for three days before Sasuke had left, and then not a word. For a whole year Naruto had held on to a shred of hope that Sasuke would write, but no… nothing. He still felt betrayed when he thought of the pale teen. Betrayed and stupid. How could he not have figured out who the dark eyed boy was? The clean clothes; the vaguely rigid mannerisms; the cool, black, slightly eyes apathetic eyes all screamed that he wasn’t a commoner. The rage and pain threatened to surface again.

Naruto reminded himself of the many various ways that Haku was completely different from Sasuke. He was kind and thoughtful and…there. He was always there for Naruto when the blonde needed him. For almost four months they had been best friends, but nothing more thus far. They had broached the subject of sexual preferences several times, neither man ever really giving a straight answer.

Naruto chuckled at the pun his brain had just made and dragged Haku to a nearby sweets stand, ordering some Turkish delight. The pair ate in silence as thy moved down the street, stopping to look at stands as they went. Naruto looked at Haku, whose lips were covered in sweet white powder, slightly upturned in a small smile. Naruto’s hand shot out of its own accord and he ran his thumb along the pale bottom lip, making colour rise to pale cheeks. Grinning, Naruto brought the thumb to his mouth, sucking the sweetness off, thinking that Haku’s lips would taste as sweet right now.

‘No. He wouldn’t think that. There was no way he would jeopardize their friendship by submitting to his mind’s dirty thoughts.’ Haku was important to him; special in so many ways…but not that one. As beautiful as the feminine man was, Naruto knew he didn’t love Haku romantically. As a friend and brother, yes, as a lover…no. And to use the graceful man would be a betrayal of his best friend, as well as of himself.

Shaking the thoughts from his head, he wrapped his hand in the others platonically, and moved on down the street, waving to Rei at the blacksmiths as they went.
“Hello Anko!” A fiery young woman looked up from the armor she was hammering, sweeping her dark, black-violet bangs off her moist face.

“Rei! How are you? As busy as me with all the folks in for the festival?”

“You know it! You’re still working? I think you need to take a break and gossip with me!”

“Speaking of gossip, I want to introduce my friend Kurenai.” Rei took in the voluptuous woman with red eyes, smiling and offering her hand.

“Pleasure to meet you.”

“Kurenai was just telling me about the knight she was flirting with today…” Rei squeaked in delight and settled herself on one of the counters.

“I’ve only been here thirty seconds and the conversation is already turning to men? I love this place!” Kurenai laughed and tossed her long dark hair, a look that was half dreamy- half hungry sliding onto her striking features.

“Oh ladies, you should have seen him! Tall, broad chest, arms like tree trunks and really big feet!” The women broke into hysterical giggles, listening to Kurenai’s story about the presumably well endowed knight. Rei let out a long sigh.

“What’s the point in flirting if we can’t marry knights?”

“It depends on their rank and heritage. We can marry some knights.” Rei perked up noticeably.

“Really?! Well then ladies make yourselves look hot because three of them are headed this way!” Heads snapped towards the street in unison as three brunet knights were indeed heading toward the entrance. Kurenai turned her back, quickly adjusting her breasts in her white and red dress. Anko wiped the smudges from her face, trying to act casually.

“Shikamaru, do you have to pick this up now? We could be out finding ladies right now.” Kiba’s face split into a lecherous grin.

“My my my. If it isn’t incredibly beautiful in here tonight! Anko, darling, when are you going to marry me?” Anko rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Kiba, darling, when are you going to stop asking the whole village?” He looked at her like she was stupid.

“When someone says yes…duh.”

“Troublesome. Anko, is my sword ready?”

“Uh, yeah Sir Nara. One second.” Kiba groaned loudly as Anko retreated to the back of the shop to fetch the sword. He turned his attention to Rei and Kurenai.

“Please don’t call us by out titles! I’m Kiba. This is Shikamaru, and that’s Iruka.” He added with a smile as he noticed Rei’s appreciation of Iruka’s dark features.

“Will you guys hurry up?!” Asuma approached the blacksmiths looking slightly put out. “I want to track down that ridiculously hot woman I met toda…” His face split into a flirtatious grin as he moved to stand closer to Kurenai.

“Well speak of the devil and she will appear looking irresistible! Miss Yuuhi, how are you this evening?” Kurenai extended her hand, on which Asuma laid a kiss immediately.

“Hmm, I’m just fine… now. And how about yourself Sir Sarutobi?”

“Please, call me Asuma. A woman as beautiful as you shouldn’t have to use titles.” Kiba guffawed at the corny line while Shikamaru mumbled troublesome.

“Mah mah, don’t you four have something you should be doing?” A lean, yet very muscular knight glided up to the now exceedingly crowed blacksmiths. Rei blushed furiously, wondering why the mysterious, masked man was setting off warning bells and red flags in her head.

“Yeah Kakashi, we’re coming. Shikamaru just wanted to pick up his sword, and then we were distracted by the great deal of lovely in here.” Kakashi looked around appraisingly, his visible eye narrowing slightly as it fell on Rei.

“Do I know you?” Kakashi pondered aloud as he moved deep into Rei’s personal space.

“I don’t think so. But you’re welcome to remedy that; I’m Rei, Mitokado Rei.” She gave him a small wink, flushing when he brought her hand to his covered lips.

“I’m Hatake Kakashi. And it is a pleasure to meet you.” Rei’s blush extended to her neck at the silver haired smooth talker’s banter.

‘Kakashi… Kakashi… I do feel like I’ve met him before. Why can’t I place it? Kakashi, Kaka… oh shit!’ Rei’s features went blotchy as the blood raced from them. She yanked her hand from his and turned to Anko-who was looking at her like she was clearly crazy.

“Rei are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost.” Rei endeavored to wipe the look of fear off her face.

“Uh yeah, I just remembered that I have to finish our costumes before the festival starts and that’s just in a couple of days so I probably should go and get some work done before Naruto gets back. See you!” She knew that she had been barely comprehensible she was speaking so fast, but couldn’t help wanting to get out of there as fast as possible. Kakashi caught her arm as she tried to move past him.

“Are you sure I don’t know you?” The rest of the blood drained from her face, leaving even her lips unnaturally pale.

“No! No. I’m sure I would have remembered meeting you.” She pulled at her arm but Kakashi’s grasp held tight.

“I remember you.” His free hand ghosted along her jaw, resting on the small burn scar by her left ear.

“I was there when you got this. Yes, I remember you.” Asuma, Iruka and Shikamaru focused on the woman in their captain’s clutches, eyes widening in recognition.

“You’re right! It’s her! What are you doing here?”

“What happened that day?”

“Was you brother okay?”

“How did he survive that?”

Rei swallowed but couldn’t get the lump out of her throat to speak, vaguely aware that three knights were peppering her with questions. Kakashi raised a hand to silence them, gently lifting her chin from where it was resting on her chest, forcing her eyes to match his piercing gaze. Her lips trembled as she finally found her voice.

“He’s here isn’t he? If you’re here, he’s here.” Kakashi’s reply was low and steady, realizing that he was delivering bad news.

“Yes. Lord Sasuke is in charge of this area, including the town. Didn’t you know?” She simply shook her head. Anko, seeing her friend was having trouble speaking piped up.

“They’ve only been here two months. The town is so full with all the preparations for the festival. It’s likely they haven’t bumped into each other yet.” Kakashi loosened his grip on her arm, letting his hand slide down to hers.

“Men, we should go.” He gave her hand a small squeeze before releasing it. “It was nice to see you again Rei.” She gave a small nod, still looking like she had been electrocuted. Kakashi stopped just as he was about to leave.

“I’ve spent a good deal of time trying to figure out exactly what happened that day. Care to elaborate? What exactly is your brother?” A small smile spread onto her colourless lips.

“He’s Uzamaki Naruto. And he’s special.” Kakashi, expecting more of an explanation, remained stationary for a moment before turning his back to the women. Rei stood rooted to the spot where the knight had left her, forcing her arm to raise to return a wave to Naruto and Haku as they passed. Anko, looking nervous, shifted behind her anvil.

“Rei? Are you okay? What’s going on?” Her dark eyes widened in surprise and Rei pulled her into a bone crushing hug, pressing her nose and forehead into the blacksmith’s neck.

“Oh my god, Anko! This is really bad!”
“Hey, did Rei look pale to you? Maybe she caught that flu one of our patients had.”

“That wasn’t flu Naruto. He was hung-over.” Naruto shrugged. “So are you nervous about performing? I must admit I’m excited to see you and Rei dance.”

Naruto smiled smugly, running his hands though his golden spikes.

“Are you kidding? I’m awesome! Besides, it’s one more thing I can tease Rei about being better than her at. She says soon I’ll surpass her ability in everything; it drives her insane!”

A fight broke out behind them and the two turned to see what was going on. The smile on the tanned cheeks faltered as a glimpse of perfect black spikes disappearing into the crowd. A knight quickly blocked his view and panic surged through his body and he rushed forward to spot the mass of sleek black hair had vanished.

Sasuke ducked into the crowd just in time, Genma hot on his heels. Naruto was looking around wildly. Maybe he had gotten a glimpse but the look on the blonde’s face said he definitely hadn’t been sure of what he had seen. It was important to Sasuke that he played the game of making Naruto miserable perfectly. So maybe the blonde did still recognize him, but that was little comfort to the raven young man. Irregardless, Naruto had moved on and Sasuke was going to make him pay. No one got over an Uchiha. No one.

“Naruto…Naruto? Uh, Naruto?” The blonde forced himself back to reality and turned to his friend.

“Naruto are you okay?”

“Uh yeah, I’m fine.” Unsure if he was convincing Haku or himself.

“Naruto you look like you’re in shock; you just dragged me down the street clearly looking for something or someone; all the while trying to crush every bone in my hand.” Naruto looked down at the blotchy fingers that were viced in his hand, releasing them and muttering an apology. Haku massaged circulation into his abused fingers.

“It’s okay; just tell me what that was about.” Naruto blanched not sure of what to say.

“I just… I… thought I saw someone… someone I knew along time ago. Someone I didn’t expect to see ever again.” Haku’s eyes narrowed slightly, his knowing gaze penetrating Naruto’s thoughts.

“Someone you cared about. Someone you cared deeply about.” Naruto opened his mouth to respond, was still unsure how he should.

“I…I really don’t want to talk about it. Can we go home now?” Haku wrapped his arm around Naruto’s shoulder and guided him towards the herb and remedies shop. They parted ways at Naruto’s door. Haku made a move to enter the apartment he shared with Zabuza, hesitated, and turned to look into the azure eyes, clouded with confusion.

“If you want to talk… anytime… just come get me…… Naruto, what would you feel if it was who you thought it was?”

“Goodnight Haku.” The blonde entered his lodgings, somewhat relieved that Rei had not returned yet. Collapsing on his bed he clutched a pillow to his chest. Dropping his face to the pillow, he released a long, muffled, pent-up wail of utter sorrow.
Me: Ouch! Hey… come on…. Sasuke! Ow! Urgh! Sasuke…come on it’s not that bad… Would you stop fucking throwing fruit at me!!

Sasuke: You made me into a jerk!

Me: Well you are a jerk! Ow! Those pineapples are hard you know… and pointy.

Sasuke: Well will you hurry up and get to the part where I’m not a jerk?

Me: I dunno. Everyone knows that tortured romances are the bes… Sasuke put down the melons… easy there tiger. We’ll get there… I promise. Just not for a couple more chapters.

Thunk

A/N: Okay well I’m a little woozy from taking a honeydew to the head so… I’ll update when I can.