Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto and its character, they are properly owned by Mr. Kishimoto nor I own Silk and steal which this story is based upon that is owned by my favorite writer, Kat Martin.
Lord Uzumaki, otherwise known simply as naruto silently slipped into the shadows behind the stable doors. He shivered his tattered dirty night shirt was no match for the cold November night.
Peering around the corner he caught a glimpse of a coach being readied to leave. It was clearly that of a Nobleman; he could see the crest from where he was standing it bore that of a gleaming wolf's head above a sliver sword. As quietly as possible naruto crept closer to find out the dentition of the coach. Listening to the footman's conversation, his heart began to race. This carriage wasn't traveling to London, but back to the country. Dear Lord, if he could hide in it he'd finally be safe!
His excitement increased he had to get away the sooner the better and this carriage seemed to be the perfect solution. Looking over the expensive coach once more he headed to where the luggage was being stored. Jerking back the leather cover naruto fit himself between two trunks and gave a silent prayer that no more luggages would be added.
The silence was unnerving all he could hear was the rapid beats of his heart. Finally the carriage rolled off past the Inn. Naruto released the breath he didn't know he was holding. He began to relax, he was finally free.
After several hours shifted in an awkward position and the constant jarring of the carriage, naruto drifted into a fitful sleep.
Naruto knew it had to be a dream, but that didn't make it any less horrifying. He was back in his filthy airless cell. Fear chocking naruto as he backed into the corner. He could hear the other inmate's screams as they tried to grab at him. This was the very defection of hell, what demon fashioned such a place? The air seemed to go out as he heard the chains of the guards. Had he really though he could escape them forever? Their footsteps grew louder and so did the clanging of their chins as they got to his cell. 'Evening we're going to take you for a little stroll' he flashed a lecherous grin and he reach for naruto.
NO! Naruto screamed as he began to desperately back into o his cell. He continued to scream as the taller man reached out and grabbed him. While the shorter man let out a hard bitter laugh that sent chills though him.
Naruto shout up from his nightmare drenched in sweat, franticly looking around for the guards. Naruto forced himself to relax and remind himself that he was safe. He was free from the hospital, the madhouse that had been his prison for the past year.
Taking a few moments to clam himself naruto began to relax with the thought of freedom and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
He had no idea how long he was asleep for when he was jerked from the carriage and held roughly by his neck. The boy's a stowaway one of the grooms yelled. The other shouted that he was more likely a thief. Hearing these acquisitions naruto began to thrash around. The man holding him hit him upside the head and sneered "keep still you'd dirty beggar or you'll regret it."
"Hit me again and I promise you, sir you are the who'll be sorry." Naruto calmly stated.
"Alright, that's enough." The deep voice cut through the night causing both men to freeze instantly. Naruto's gaze turned toward the tall imposing figure in the shadows. "Let the boy go, he seems quit able to stand on his own. Give him a chance to speak."
Both men took a step back. "What's your name the tall man asked? And what the devil were you doing in the back of my carriage? Naruto remained firm despite his filthy appearance.
"My name is Naruto Maki and I assure sir that I am not a beggar or thief. I am a gentleman and have met with an unfortunate but of trouble. And I pray that you will take pity on me an help.
Black eyes served him from top to bottom taking in every inch of his seedy appearance.
"Come inside the house we can speak in my study."
Naruto was surprised by the man's offer of assistance. He knew what him much look like, not to mention smell like. Naruto steadied himself ignoring the disbelieving glances of the on lookers. He followed him to the house, which was in reality a large stone castle.
"I appreciate your courtesy my lord, but there is something I must ask of you." The man raised an eyebrow "you have yet to explain yourself and already you ask for a favor? Whoever you are you sure are bold. Alight, what is so urgent?"
"A bath, I can hardly talk about my circumstance fitly and half dressed. If you would allow me a bath and a change of clothes, I'm sure we would both be more comfortable."
Sasuke looked over the young man standing before him. His speech suggested he was an educated gentleman despite his ragged appearance. Alright Mr. Maki you shall have your bath. He turned to leave then paused. "I shall wait for you in my study. And I warn you, should you speak anything but the truth, you will face the consequences. Do I make myself clear?"
Naruto fought back the shiver that the man's word sent though him. Yes, he stammered out quietly.
Sasuke turned to leave but was stopped. Wait, I don't know your name, the young man whispered. Sasuke turned and gave a slight bow. "Sasuke Uchiha Earl of Blackthorn, at your service. He smirked welcome to Rose Thorn Castle.
He turned and walked away, this time naruto didn't stop him. Soon naruto was taken into a guest bedroom by stairs by the housekeeper. He looked around and was surprised at the beauty of the room. It was decorated in royal blue and cream color and had craved roses in the headboard.
The housekeeper's sharp voice cut through naruto's thoughts. "I don't know who you are or how you managed to gain the sympathy of his lordship. But I advise you not to try to take advantage. His charity stems from kindness NOT weakness and you do best to remember that." With that the housekeeper left naruto to his bath. Naruto thought upon the housekeeper's words as he relaxed into the bath. One look into those dark eyes naruto could tell the housekeeper was telling the truth. The lord was far from weak.
Sasuke sat at his desk, with thoughts of the man upstairs. Who was hardly more than a boy surely he was no more that eighteen. Dirty and unkempt, yet there was something about him. Perhaps it was his eyes. Such a vivid shade of blue that seemed to shine with their intensity.
A nock of door interrupted his thought. Sasuke turned and stopped. Barley believing that this was the same ragged creature from before. There standing before him dressed in plain servant clothes the boy held himself as a true gentlemen. His hair, which at first glance appeared to be a dull brow now, was now a bright blond color. His skin a warm golden color and on his face appeared whisker like scars. They should have been disfiguring but instead gave the boy a resemblance to a chibi fox.
"As I told you my name is Naruto Maki. I live in a Village up in the North Country. My father is a vicar of a local parish. While he was away I was abducted.
"Abducted?" This grabbed at Sasuke's attention, certainly whatever he though this clearly wasn't it.
"The reason I am dressed in my night clothes is someone broke into our house and stole me away. Who they were and what they wanted I don't know. But they seemed to have wicked plans in store of me." Seeing the questioning look he was getting. Naruto quickly went to the story he came up with the bath. "I heard them talking they were planning on taking me to a house…of pleasure. At first I didn't understand, but after me while I caught on….after all my father preached against such evils."
Sasuke was both shocked and amazed that the boy was able to keep his composer. If what he said was true, the boy should be hysterical mess.
The boy continued "they intended to sell me. I guess that's the reason they left me alone…apparently there's a market for such things. Fortunately I escaped. I ran as far as I could."
How? Sasuke cut it. How did you escape?
"We were traveling for day and stopped at an Inn. One of the men dragged me and tried to force himself on me. While he was getting undressed I hit him upside the head with a lamp and escaped out the window. I spent the night running trying to get as far away as possible. I finally stumbled upon your carriage…and you know the rest."
Yes he knew the rest, yet there was something the boy wasn't telling him. Sasuke decided to help him the moment he looked into those eyes. Shaking his thoughts he turned to naruto. "Alight you may stay here till you can make arrangements for a safe way home.
Naruto gave him a bright smile and thanked him. Sasuke couldn't help but retune with his own smile. You are safe at Rose thorn Castle.