Thin Lines and The Shinobi Who Walk Them

A/N: The summary was kind of cut short so I'll list a few things here. The pairings are: Naruto/Neji, Konkuro/Haku, and Kiba/Gaara. I will post warnings on each chapter as needed but to name a few you will see in this fic, there will be: Angst, Language, Death, Violence, Oral, Male/Male (yay!), Sexual content and bad spelling. An added note due to Haku being alive it is slightly AU but is kept canon as much as possible. Also I know there is some debate on several spelling issues when it comes to names and terms. I went with the spelling usually found in the manga and on Wiki. The spelling of Hyuga is just an example. The manga has it spelled Hyuga while I have seen it spelled Hyuuga in the anime.


Dedication: I'd like to thank BrokenSouledPoetess for the inspiration to write this fic and for listening to me ramble as I tried to plot. She's been a great help for my muse and her opinion is highly appreciated. So this fic is for her.


Warnings for Chapter One: Language


Hyuga Neji briefly paused in consideration as the blonde Hokage waited for his reply. Just like the others he was given a choice, in a matter of speaking. He was one of the most qualified to lead this mission. Someone else could take the assignment but there was a chance they would fail. He understood why she had asked him first because he wouldn’t decline. The tension in her shoulders, the wrinkles in her brow and the way her fingers clenched the pen spoke for itself.


“Might I ask who will be accompanying me?” By asking he had just accepted the mission. This wasn’t an ordinary assignment and those appointed couldn’t take it lightly.


“Yes, I’ve already spoken to your partner. I originally had you scheduled first but he was a little eager and came early. Your partner in this mission will be Naruto Uzumaki.” Tsunade waited for the outburst but it never came. The only show of shock and disagreement came in a twitch of an eyebrow. The genius of the Hyuga clan was very good at hiding his emotions.


“I am to assume you went over the details of the mission with him.” Neji tried to contain the excitement and resignation that swirled in his blood. This wasn’t a good idea but if the jinchuriki already accepted it was left up to him to decline. The Hokage nodded positively, “And did he actually pay attention?”


“Hn, I think so. I went over it in great detail. If you are overly concerned about it I’ll leave it to your discretion. You may go speak to him but I want your answer by this time tomorrow.” Tsunade gave the man a stern look. “I feel the need to stress the importance of this mission, failure is not an option.”


“I understand,” Neji gave the Hokage a polite farewell before exiting the room. Of all the people that had to be chosen for this mission. With the details the candidates had to be slim. Not many of the Jonin would be able to pull it off without blowing their cover.


Last week an expert thief had broken into a sealed vault and made off with a very valuable scroll. Or as Neji was just informed one-fifth of a scroll. Before the end of the last major war, when all great nations were formed, the scroll had been separated. The contents held a forbidden technique that could threaten the peace between the nations. To keep it from falling into the hands of anyone that would use it for the wrong purpose it had been divided between the five.


Including the piece that had been kept in Konoha, the one hidden in Lightning nation had been stolen. The Raikage had sent a messenger out to the other four nations, alerting them of the theft. Thankfully, Kiba and Shino had been able to track the thief to a remote island south of the Water country. It was there that they lost him and were forced to return.


The small community consisted of nothing but males. Shino had confirmed the specifics of their lifestyle by spying. It was more or less a haven for homosexual males that didn’t want to exist in the outside world. Their target was hiding somewhere in that community. The perpetrator already had two pieces of the scroll and would surely make a play for the other three.


So his team was to head to the island and do what was necessary to retrieve them. Another team was being sent to Suna to protect the Kazekage. Gaara had been contacted and informed of the situation. His reply was asking for a team from Konoha since he knew the best were here. The Kazekage planned to keep the scroll on his person at all times. The other two nations weren’t so forthcoming on a request for help but said they’d protect their own.


It was an island for only males; that was his destination in two days time, so why would Naruto accept? He had to wonder if the other man really understood what going into that place meant for their mission. They couldn’t just stroll in and start searching. They’d be asking for trouble before they had time to locate anything. He had a feeling that if the thief was there, he wouldn’t have the scrolls just lying around.


Uzumaki had to be out of his mind for accepting without thinking but that’s what the guy was good for. When did the blonde ever think things through? This mission was best for those that weren’t attached to another person. Naruto and Hinata had become a couple months ago, much to Neji’s displeasure.


Not that he still held ill-will towards his cousin he was rather fond of her. Out of all the females in their group of friends he thought the other guy could do better. If not for the interference of Sakura the couple would never have thought to date. Simply because Naruto was too simple minded to realize Hinata had feelings for him and that poor girl was still a mass of jumbled nerves around the jinchuriki. It was a disturbing sight to look upon.


Neji wouldn’t believe for an instance that his dislike of the couple was founded on jealousy. He liked to think himself as being realistic and that he was excellent when it came to understanding other people. Uzumaki did have a habit of surprising him from time to time but he knew his cousin. She was too timid to keep the shinobi happy for long.


It was this reason he wouldn’t give TenTen the relationship she so desperately sought from him. The girl was a dependable teammate, a trusted friend and very sweet. To be blunt the girl bored him too tears, there was no excitement. If he were honest he hadn’t meet a female that could stir his blood. Which was why his only sexual experience had been shared with Lee and that had been on a wild whim. Six months ago they had went on a mission just the two of them. A little too much sake had led to more and they hadn’t regretted it. Several hidden encounters had come to a sudden stop when Sakura had asked his teammate on a date.


It was disturbing that Lee had ended things for a female but Neji had known before hand that the other male still carried that bright torch. Losing Lee hadn’t affected him greatly; after all he hadn’t been in love. Love was an emotion he wasn’t too familiar with. It was hard to find someone that shared the same tastes as him. Most of the males close to his own age were straighter than Sakura’s ass.


Wanting to not think about his lack of a love life he went over the details of the mission in his mind. It was probably best to think of other options in case Uzumaki changed his mind. He would need a partner that could handle himself without the use of a weapon. They would be entering a peaceful village under the false pretense of a couple. If they went in bearing weapons, it would indicate they had come for other reasons. Naruto would be the best option, which was why Tsunade-sama had probably chosen him as the second. Kiba was to be on the team heading to Suna, so that wasn’t an option.


The dying afternoon sun continued to blaze down as he stepped outside and onto the street. There was a slight breeze coming from the south, stirring his hair. It was a welcomed comfort and he closed his eyes. How could he get the other male to change his mind? How could he contemplate going on a mission that would require he be close to his cousin’s lover? How would Hinata feel if she were to know? Of course the details of the mission were secret and she wouldn’t be told anything.


Before he could decide on anything, it would be best to speak to his partner. See if Uzumaki could handle what would be required of him. There were ways of discovering it that the other male couldn’t lie his way through. It would be no good to bring a homophobic teammate on this mission, nor one that would let his commitment to another get in the way.


Naruto ran a hand through his tousled blonde locks, trying to do something about his disheveled appearance. By now the Byakugan user had to have reported in. Tsunade-sama had offered him the opportunity to go on this mission but the final decision would rest with the mission leader. Ever since he’d left the office his excitement had turned to dread.


Not because he didn’t understand the details or what it would require. On some issues he could be a bit slow but after having it explained the second time he had completely accepted what it would take. They were to infiltrate a haven for homosexual couples. It could take days or even weeks to locate where the scrolls were hidden. It meant that they had to take on the guise of a couple. He would have to pretend to be in love with Neji Hyuga.


He had a feeling Neji would ask for another partner. They had never been too close and the other male might find it unnerving to work with him under the circumstances. The best way to explain his worry was sitting next to him on the small mattress. His girlfriend had formed a type of bond with her cousin over the years. There was no way Neji would accept him as a partner knowing who he was dating.


“Are you worried Naruto-kun?” Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder in an offer of comfort. He’d been acting strange ever since he’d left from his meeting with the Hokage. All he would and could tell her is that he was given an assignment. It wasn’t like him to be worried and that’s one of the things she loved about him.


“Nah, I’ll be fine,” right after he sought Neji out and spoke to him. He wanted to go on this mission; he was one of the best candidates for the job. Shino was a definite no because anyone could see how the prospect had bothered him when he’d reported back. Naruto had seen his shiver when he said the words ‘gay village’. The bug man and Kiba had gotten to the docks just as the thief was departing from land. Knowing it would be too obvious if they immediately followed but not having the option of losing him, Shino had merely sent one of his bugs to latch onto the man’s back. It had informed them of the man’s whereabouts.


Kiba was leading the team that would be in charge of protecting the Kazekage. Lee was away on another mission and had Sakura. Sai was a wonderful option if the emotionless man could muster up the ability to act like he cared. No, he didn’t see Sai being able to carry the mission out, even if everything about the man screamed, ‘I play on the wrong side of the fence.’


“Shall I make us some dinner?” Hinata wasn’t sure why he wouldn’t tell her but assumed that it had something to do with the new mission. A slight blush crept into her cheeks as he turned to give her a smile. She’d learned months ago one way to cheer him up was food. “Do you want the chicken or should I heat up the ram…..”


A gentle knock on the door made her pause. Sliding her legs over the mattress, she stood up. Seeing that Naruto wasn’t moving for some unknown reason, she made her way to the wooden frame. It was probably Sakura stopping by again because the girl missed Lee. Last night the med nin wouldn’t leave until Naruto had practically tossed her out. Whatever this mission was must be really bothering the jinchuriki.


Her smile almost faltered seeing her cousin standing in the doorway. It’d been weeks since they’d spoken and she’d thought he’d left on a mission. What was he doing here? Had he come to speak to her? “Neji-sama?”


“Hinata-chan, how are you?” He wasn’t really interested in her wellbeing at the moment but remained polite. He should have known the girl would be over here. She’d been Uzumaki’s shadow during school, it was no wonder she was like a leech now that they were dating.


“Very well, is everything okay?” Seeing the serious expression on his face had her stomach in knots. Being around him had always made her nervous for the most part and things hadn’t changed despite their relationship.


“As can be expected but I came to speak to Naruto-kun and not you. I assume he is in,” it was his discreet way of saying he knew the guy was inside and wasn’t leaving until he’d spoken to him. Neji wasn’t about to be put off, not when he had a deadline. If he was told to leave then he’d make his decision without speaking to the other shinobi first.


“Hai, why don’t you come inside?” Naruto spoke from behind the door, loud enough for the other male to hear. No surprise that the genius had beaten him to the punch, this couldn’t be good. They couldn’t discuss the mission in front of Hinata though. He turned to his frowning girlfriend, “Hinata-chan, we have something important to discuss. I’ll stop by and see you tomorrow evening, okay.”


“Alright,” she tried not to be disappointed over the dismissal. If Neji was here then it had to do with work and Naruto always took work seriously. He was one of the best here and had to work hard. “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Good to see you again Neji-sama.”


“Later, Hinata-chan,” Neji gave the girl enough room to pass before stepping into the small apartment and closing the door behind him. The small home was spotless and tidy, not what he’d been expecting. It had to be his cousin’s doing. Uzumaki didn’t strike him as the type to be neat but quite the opposite. “You know why I’ve come.”


“Yeah and I was thinking about coming to speak to you about that. I want you to know that I’m go…..”


“I’m going to recommend that you be replaced.” Neji cut him off before he could finish the sentence. There was no point in discussing this he’d already made up his mind. Tsunade would have to find him another partner. The woman shouldn’t have suggested the jinchuriki to begin with.


“What?” Naruto couldn’t believe the man wasn’t even going to let him speak before making the decision. Tsunade-sama had offered him the mission first because she believed that he could complete it. How dare the uptight Hyuga decide for him! “I was appointed first because I can do it. What gives you the right to decide for me? I want to do this!”


“Because you are a fool and never think things through. You are impulsive and immature. Do you even know what you’ll have to do?” Neji felt a tiny amount of remorse as the insults landed home. He’d give Naruto credit for being an excellent fighter but this wasn’t a normal mission.


Blue eyes widened at the barbs and he had to control his anger. Letting his temper flare and tossing insults wouldn’t settle the issue. “Yeah, I have to pretend we’re a couple and that I’m in love with you, shouldn’t be too hard.”


Unwanted heat crept into Neji’s cheeks at the comment. It had been said casually but did the blonde have any idea what he was playing at? He wouldn’t let this make him waver; he’d just have to make him understand. “Exactly, do you honestly believe you can fake a relationship with another male? Don’t think for a second you can get there and suddenly get squeamish. I will not risk blowing our cover because you feel the need to play hero.”


“Dammit, stop trying to control everything and for once stop being so self-centered. I could ask you the same,” Naruto clenched his fists, resisting the urge to ram it through the wall. “How are you so positive that you’ll be able to do it?”


“Don’t be so childish,” Neji kept his voice low and steady, hoping to make the guy see reason. “The same sex relationship will not hinder me because I have already been in one.”


“What?” That came as news to the blonde and he couldn’t have stopped his shock from showing if he’d wanted to. When had Neji been in a relationship with another guy? Hell, he’d never seen him with a girl either. It also meant that he couldn’t find fault in the guy’s reasoning.


“As I’ve said, someone else would be better suited.” Neji could see the man’s resolve wavering. He didn’t think the news was that shocking but it obviously had struck a cord in the blonde. “See you can’t even handle the idea of me being with another man. This time you are out.”


“No! It didn’t bother me,” a lie. Naruto wasn’t sure how to explain why it had bothered him. He hadn’t exactly liked hearing Tenten say she had plans to seduce their friend either. “Okay, it did but that wasn’t the reason why. Just let me prove it, I can do this mission.”


“Can you? Can you deal with showing affection, having me touch you, and perhaps even kissing you? There is even a slight chance that we may be required to sleep together, are you ready for that?” Neji couldn’t even bring himself to smile as the confidence left those bright blue eyes. It was rather disappointing and it bothered him to say it. “This discussion is over. In the morning I will inform the Hokage of my decision.”


Gaara shifted in the large chair, sure that his bottom would never be the same. Twelve hours of listening to the council debate had worn on his nerves. In the end he gave his statement and let it end. He wasn’t going to trust something this important to a group of ANBU. They had shown in the past to be incapable of important work. His capture had said enough for his village’s defense. It was the main reason he’d been glad for the training offered from Konoha.


The scroll in question was now attached to a cord hanging around his neck. Against their laws and teaching, and the council’s suggestions, he’d opened it. He’d know how to deal with the situation if he was more informed. It would also give him an insight on just how important the situation was. If it were a minor issue then he’d be less worried. But as things were, he had opened it and read the contents. Without the other four pieces he couldn’t learn the technique but since his was the top section, he knew exactly what the forbidden technique was.


That was why he’d sent for a team from the Leaf Village and why he was worried about the group heading into the enemy territory. It was also for this reason he was waiting for his brother to join him. If all five pieces were to fall into someone’s hands, he didn’t want to contemplate the outcome. Not even two years had passed since they’d dealt with the threat of Akatsuki. Would another threat appear its head so soon?


“Yo, you wanted to see me?” Konkuro stuck his head inside the stuffy office. Whatever it was, it had better not interrupt his plans. It had been weeks since his girl had visited and he was itching to see her again. At times it sucked dating someone from Konoha but their times together more than made up for it.


“Come in and shut the door behind you.” Gaara almost snorted as the larger and uglier version of himself came into the room. His sibling wasn’t going to be happy about this mission but he didn’t care. There was no one else. “Sit down and I don’t want to hear any complaints from you.”


“Okay, I take it you are about to piss me off.” Konkuro did as instructed but only because sitting would prevent him from jumping over the large desk and attacking his younger brother. If it kept him from being suicidal then it was a good plan.


“As you know the team from Konoha will be arriving in three days.” The Kazekage saw the man’s eager nod and perverted grin. That blonde kunoichi would be arriving with the team and he would crush his brother’s plans. “Sorry to interrupt your morbid fantasy but you will not be here to entertain our company. I need to send you elsewhere to deliver a message.”


“What? Why don’t you send Temari?” He didn’t want to leave. Ino-chan was finally coming back and he was being sent on some stupid mission? Just because his brother was lacking in companionship, the sadistic bastard had to screw up his life as well.


“Because she is not an option! Although I trust her to do a better job during a mission, she is a female and cannot go.” Gaara wished his brother would stop thinking with his dick for once. “Your liaison with the kunoichi can wait until another time. Besides Temari you are the only one I trust with this information. You already know about the situation with the scroll, since it was your job to make sure security was tightened. I have heard back from the Hokage and she has informed me that they were able to track the location of the other two pieces. She is a sending a two man team to infiltrate and locate the scrolls. Temari cannot go because she is a female and will not be allowed at the location.”


“Okay, get to the point already. Just where the hell is the two pieces being kept?” Konkuro couldn’t imagine a place that wouldn’t let a female in. And couldn’t they send the message to the Hokage and let her handle it?


“They are currently residing on an island south of Kiri. It is a rather small island and ironically it is a village consisting of only males. It’s a home for male couples and that is why she cannot go.” Gaara was glad that the information only received a frown from his brother and not a cry of outrage. “Tsunade-sama has also informed me that she plans to ask Naruto Uzumaki to be one of the members of her team. If this is true then I wish for him to know exactly what he is getting into. You will deliver my message for me then you will remain behind to assist in any way possible. Is that clear?”




He had known the summons would come. After watching Neji walk out his door but Naruto hadn’t been able to stop him. He wasn’t sure how to prove it to the other male. A few ideas had crossed his mind after the male had left but it’d been too late. Besides he wasn’t sure how the approach would have been received. His luck the Byakugan user would strike him down for being too bold.


He knew he had dark lines under his eyes from lack of sleep. His mind had refused to shut down because he didn’t like to give up. And Neji was wrong, he could do it. From an early age he’d never been homophobic. Growing up he’d had a crush on Sakura but that had eventually turned into a sibling bond. Due to Sakura’s influence he was trying a relationship with Hinata but that didn’t make him homophobic.


He was far from it and he’d make that uptight Hyuga see it. Could he handle the other male showing affection in public? Yes, being an affectionate person himself, he’d love to have someone dote on him. Being with Hinata wasn’t giving him that. The girl was simply too shy and timid to do it. If they so much as held hands he was the one always initiating things.


Could he handle being touched? That was a big if but not for the reasons Neji believed. The idea of being touched didn’t leave a bad aftertaste. He didn’t find the man repulsive or lacking. On the contrary Naruto had always thought the genius to be striking and exotic. How could someone not be drawn to that confidence residing in such a tempting package? Would he be able to handle being touched? Oh yes, the problem came with that he’d probably like it too much.


There would be a problem if it came down to sex though. Naruto wasn’t sure if he’d be able to do that. Hinata and he had attempted it on many occasions, had succeeded only three times. The problem was they were both still very inexperienced and he felt like an idiot. He didn’t know a thing about pleasing a woman much less a man. The idea wasn’t repulsive it actually sent a shiver of excitement through his groin.


As he marched his way towards Tsunade-sama’s office he thought on how to convince his Hokage that he could be helpful. He didn’t want to stand around while the others did their part. If this creep got his hands on whatever was in them scrolls then he wanted to help stop him.


As expected Neji was already standing before the desk waiting for him to arrive. The two females in the room greeted him with a smile. He could only imagine what they’d been discussing before his untimely arrival. Most likely rehashing the reasons he should stay home.


“Glad you could make it so soon Naruto-kun.” Tsunade folded her hands and took her time watching both males. Neji had already asked for a replacement and had insisted on the reasons why. She thought that he was being a tad unreasonable due to personal reasons. It was true that the jinchuriki was dating Hinata-chan but they were both top ranking shinobi before being a boyfriend.


“Tsunade-sama,” Naruto didn’t want to give Neji the pleasure of acknowledging his presence. If he was dismissed from this mission he didn’t care if it went against policy, he was going to punch the bastard. “I came as soon as I got the message.”


“Excellent,” she placed her chin lightly on her hands wanting to appear at ease. These two were the best for the mission and there weren’t many choices left. “Naruto-kun, the team leader has informed me that he believes you will not be able to accomplish the tasks I have put forth. Before you speak, I’d like to say that I have faith in your abilities and would like to give you this opportunity. But I have to admit that Neji-kun has pointed out some serious issues and they need to be dealt with before I can finalize the issue.”


“I understand, Hokage-sama,” he addressed her formerly to show that he understood that the final decision was indeed hers and that he’d accept it. Of course that still wouldn’t stop him from taking a swing at that smooth chin. “Is there anyway I can state my case?”


“Actually, there is. I believe you can dissolve any doubts that your team leader may have and mine as well.” She couldn’t help but smile as both looked her way, one anxiously and the other confused. “I will let you attend this mission if you do one thing for me. Kiss him.”


Next Chapter: Tsunade makes the final decision and the team prepares to depart..... Please read and review.