Belong to Me
Author: Ladelle
Rating: R
Comments: I know, not another new one! But I had this wicked dream and had to write it out. This story will only be three or four chapters so it won't get in the way of my other stuff. MiLoCo 4 is being beta'd at the moment and DW only has a couple mroe pages...so I wanted to have at something a little more fun and dare I say, sexy? Haha.
Summary: Konoha is desperate for a treaty with Sound and sends it's best to achieve it. Disguised as entertainers the small team goes forth, leaving Naruto to tear down the leader of Sound's defenses.
Ah, well, enjoy.
Chapter 1:
The sun was burning orange in the horizon when he spotted the caravan from his terrace, squinting his eyes to examine the small entourage of entertainers. The heat from the over-hanging sun made them blurry against the sandstone earth below, and he frowned as he read the outer portion of a bell-topped wagon, adorned with huge scribbled letters that read, 'Konohagakure'. He snorted.
As if that fact wasn't evident.
Only the forest village would have grass-eating mammoth-like bulls at the head of their traveling carts, or poorly dressed farmhands directing the beasts from behind. He could hear the wood splintering at the toll of their travel, and thick handcrafted wheels stuttering over the rocky hedges of the dirt road leading to the gates of Sound.
Everything about the village was uncivilized and pitiable. It was a happy place with happy people; villagers content with being close-knit and economically broke.
The rainy season had shared its profit with the meager town, and in return it had been targeted by all other cities that lacked the farm-grown labor. Rain had been sparse and countries had grown violent, and it was no secret that Konohagakure had barely managed to survive attacked from bordering countries demanding their resources.
And now, approaching the heady city that Sasuke so dutifully led, was their third attempt at forming an alliance with his influential nation. Their final opportunity at convincing him to send his soldiers to fight for their crumbling village, only this time, it seemed via entertainment.
From behind him there was a polite knock and his door drifted open, a messenger boy looking quiet and anxious at his presence.
"Lord Uchiha, sir, it seems as though—"
"I'm too tired tonight." He answered thickly, and attempted to hide a rather obvious yawn. He was too tired to watch hours of butchered entertainment, especially when the majority involved big bosomed women with smiles to large and eyes too vacant. He would need energy to get through the performances, though he had no intention of pretending as though he enjoyed any of them.
"Uchiha, sir?" the boy asked, and Sasuke turned around finally, frowning in irritation at the fact his messenger hadn't yet departed. He widened his eyes and waved his hand, motioning the man to speak again.
"Where should I direct them?" the boy asked, and Sasuke turned to glance off his terrace, seeing that the carts had already stationed themselves outside of his district gates.
"Send them to an inn. They're too loud in my palace," and it was true. The previous groups had kept him awake on more than one occasion, laughing and joking in the empty servants' rooms floors below. This time, he would play it smart.
"Yessir." The boy said, and he shuffled out. Sasuke watched as the door fell shut and felt a cool draft as the heavy gauze of orange and pink light began to seep out of his room, running deftly across terry cloth curtains and marble banisters of his cobblestone terrace.
He glanced down to his arms, watching them prickle under the cool breeze of night, and traced the faded lace of his loose-knit desert tunic. He tightened a drawstring around his waist to support a loose pair of slacks and found his way to his bed, eagerly blowing out a long-standing candle.
He wasn't looking forward to tomorrow, but damnit if he wasn't tired enough to make it come sooner.
"The fact that we've been sentenced to find our own housing is sign enough that this trip was a waste," the woman said, and she threw a thick bundle of pink hair over her shoulder and onto her back. She heaved a set of suitcases from the rear of the largest wagon and looked appeased when she found what she had been searching for.
There was a muffled sigh from the ground below her and she ignored it, continuing.
"But because I'm the smart one, I remembered the plan ahead," she whisked out a bundle of thick blankets and wool-stuffed pillows and tossed them downwards to a blond man who caught them with ease.
"Don't say that, Sakura-chan," he frowned, and he tossed the bedding to another member of the caravan, a tall and dark character with intimidating eyes. He turned back to the bubble-gum haired girl, trying to pull his expression into something convincing.
"I agree with Lady Haruno," the thicker man said boldly, and from inside the caravan another member poked his head out for commentary. "I sense an argument coming on," and from inside, another diligently replied, "Ugh, how troublesome."
"Zabusa, with an attitude like that, we'll never get anywhere," the blonde stated, and from behind the massive man a smaller man emerged, though he looked more like a heartbreakingly beautiful girl.
"I agree with Naruto," he said sweetly, and smiled. Naruto swing his arm over the petite boy's shoulder and ruffled his hair, grinning at the look of disapproval Zabusa gave.
"That's the spirit, Haku. After all, it's not as though we have a choice in the matter," he looked thoughtful for a moment and glanced up to the night sky, watching the clouds play swift games of tag before the brightness of the moon. "We have to succeed," he said more seriously, and Sakura jumped off the caravan ladder, landing gracefully next to the duo.
"I'm glad one of us is a dreamer," she said, and she pulled a stick of homemade jerky from her pocket, snagging a bite and chewing on it tersely. Naruto grinned at her and laughed when she bopped him on the head before turning abruptly to the caravan.
"Don't you two think you can just sit in there all night," she reprimanded, and the plump face that had predicted an argument appeared once again, beside the curtain of the backing.
"Alright, alright," he said playfully, and when the second character didn't answer, she kicked the oak wheel of the monstrosity, causing it to shake.
"Shikamaru, don't make me get my knives," she threatened, and Naruto chuckled when a disgruntled grunt sounded from inside.
"See if Shino is feeling any better, too," he added as he heard the two shuffling around inside of the contraption. It was full of costumes and props, and food and clothing. It barely had room for what they needed, and even less for accommodations to make traveling the long distance they had more comfortable.
"The guards at the gate said that this area was sanctioned so I don't think we'll have to worry about theft," Haku said and he started to sweep away loose sets of rocks from underneath the large wagon. Naruto nodded and opened a pack beside the rear wheel, withdrawing some aged grass and canteens of water. He found himself wandering up towards the bulls that were panting heavily from the three-day strain of travel, and gently eased the yolks from their necks.
"Fun trip, eh?" he asked, and they snorted at him before lunging for the treats in his hands. He laughed as he felt their calloused tongues devour the thick blades and popped a canteen open to pour into their mouths when they had neatly cleaned his hands.
"That's so gross," Sakura said from behind him, and Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"An animal's mouth is the cleanest—"
"Don't even say it," Sakura laughed, and Naruto vaguely wondered if this was the last opportunity he would have to perform with his childhood friend. Sakura and him had been practically inseparable since their school days, and now, with their village threatened with war, it wouldn't be surprising if their families parted ways for safer cities.
Naruto felt a hand swat something between his legs and he glanced back wards again, feigning offense. "Hey, hey, lady, watch the goods," he said, and Sakura dusted her hands off, a small bug teetering to the ground from her gloves.
"Ha ha. Like I'd ever have the desire to do that," she jested, and Naruto frowned.
"Hey, I can put on a damn good show," he winked, and Sakura let out a bubbly laugh in between beef jerky chews.
"I know, I've seen it," she motioned up to their caravan ledger where it read, 'Kyuubi Exotique'. "But yours isn't for the ladies," she added and after a loud laugh, Naruto reluctantly nodded.
"I can't argue there," he said truthfully, and then, "But you know I love you, Sakura-chan," he said cutely.
"Mmhmm." She said smartly and pointed to the area Haku had arranged for sleep.
"Tomorrow we perform," she said confidently and Zabusa grunted. "I hear he's a stuck up prick," he glowered, and a skinny man with a high-set ponytail slid down from the caravan lead.
"Ino said he completely blew her off," he added. "Listening to her tell the story was troublesome."
"Everything is troublesome for you, Shikamaru." Haku said with a giggle, and he settled down onto a mat in the middle of the group.
Sakura smirked. "Well, maybe Ino just wasn't his type," she put a hand on her hip to justify her comment.
"I don't think he has a type," said the plump boy from above, and Sakura frowned after his next words. "I mean, if he didn't like Ino," he looked dreamy.
Shikamaru snorted. "I'm betting he doesn't like women in general, Chouji." he stated nonchalantly before glancing at Naruto.
"Or else the ol' man wouldn't have forced you along," he finished and Naruto blushed a little.
"I don't know about all that," he said, and Sakura finally waved her hands in the air.
"Let's not make any assumptions. Let's just do what we always do, and hope to god it works," she said, and most everyone nodded.
Naruto drifted to the mat on Haku's right side, not daring to take the left. Zabusa was like Haku's protector and always claimed the space closest, and Naruto was content when the rest of his troupe began to settle in around him.
"Is Shino doing any better?" he asked, and Shikamaru rolled his eyes from beside him.
"He'll be fine. His motion sickness will settle through tonight."
Naruto glanced up at the massive wagon, wondering if he should go and check up on his buddy himself. After a long glance he assumed Shino was probably asleep, and he shrugged himself deeper into his sleep-set.
"Thank you for thinking ahead, Sakura-chan," he said sweetly, and everyone else grunted in response around him.
"Yeah, yeah," she said, and she sounded tired.
She was the last person to speak before everyone drifted to sleep, and Naruto was prepared to give everything he had to save his village and his future with his friends.
Sasuke wasn't excited at all, just like he had assumed. He was dressed for the hot weather, a v-ed tunic draped around his waist and wrapped around into a flowing leg cover. The sun burned brighter than usual, and he weaved himself around he lower level as he made way for the performance all.
He had demanded they make a lunch-time performance, mainly because he had the aching desire to get the troupe out of his palace as soon as possible. And as he turned the corner to enter and seat himself, he felt his irritation spike at the props set up in the room. Props for a knife-thrower, and for jesting, and maybe even a few other dangerous acts that he had seen hundreds of times before.
And here he had thought that Konoha had something more to offer him.
Councilmen were seated all around, along with palace workers and his brother, to whom he hardly ever spoke. The stage was huge and marble, and the audience dining tables were clumped around it in a widespread circle. He took a seat in one of the higher resigned chairs and frowned as a woman revealed herself from behind a platform, bright pink hair hanging loosely at her sides.
She bowed, and her voice was sweeter than Sasuke expected. "Thank you for allowing us to perform for you," she said graciously, and he made no indignation to answer. She didn't seem stifled by his rude behavior and only stood straight again, tossing her hands up to the side, and revealing three sets of knives. Sasuke barely blinked before there was the sharp sound of movement, and a few of the council members screeched as the knives landed on placed boards above their heads.
It took Sasuke a minute to find them and to ensure that no one had gotten hurt. The boards were at least twenty feet away, and she had been looking at him the entire time. He frowned, and she seemed content.
"I'm sorry about that," she smiled, and she spun low, another girl dodging out from the large prop in the center of the room. At least, he thought it was a girl.
Whatever it was jumped over her and more knives flew out, two narrowly missing his own head by inches, but landing peaceably into designated boards. He glared, wondering if the dangerousness of the technique was intentional. Had the previous groups said he wasn't scared enough? He snorted. Well, at least this performance wasn't as boring.
The other person, a small figured being with shoulder-length black hair and a bright white tunic-dress did a flexible curl backwards against the prop, and the pink haired woman grabbed a few longer knives from her belt and threw them effortlessly, missing the petite figure by only inches.
Though Sasuke had seen knife throwing before, along with his court, the other members seemed to approve of this particular performance. A few more knives were thrown and the two performers bowed, and Sasuke made little effort to applaud them.
"Sakura," the pink haired woman said, and from beside her, the dark haired person spoke, voice confirming that he was male. "Haku." There was a rush of enthusiasm from the crowd and they disappeared into the prop.
Sasuke stared momentarily and the applause began to fade, but not before a dark figure emerged, completely cloaked. Sasuke raised an eyebrow, wondering what would come next. The figure raised his hands into the air and a movement caught Sasuke's peripheral vision, causing him to glance downwards to the floor below. He felt his breath catch.
Insects.
Swarms of them.
All rushing towards this man, scurrying and creaking along the floor, letting out little noises as they rushed and bumbled over each other. They formed shapes on the floor, and the women in the room flew from their seats to higher levels, looking frightened and appalled.
Sasuke, however, looked irate. How any country would dare send anyone with the talent into his palace without warning was incomprehensible. It was challenging, in a way, considering that most people with any of the talent were used in militia—not as backpacking performers.
The bugs scattered around, showing a very precise mastery of control, and Sasuke frowned, knowing that with one word he could crush the performance as a whole. But before he had the energy to say anything, something seemed to bubble from beneath the blanket of squirming black. Something white and cottony—a blanket or a sheet with movement beneath.
The bugs began to disappear and before Sasuke even realized it the man had as well, leaving nothing but the figure in front of him, bathed in a sheer white fabric, moving in waves against the cloth. He could see skin glide across the smooth material, hips and an abdomen making contours that made his libido feel heavy in his groin.
He had seen dancers before. They were exotic and primal, with low-set eyes and wet lips…but traditional dances from Konoha were rare, especially ones that spoke in such a sensual tone. The blanket jerked upwards.
And Sasuke blinked.
Traditional dances were never so…so riveting.
The figure, be it man or woman, was bathed in a white cloth. It writhed beneath the sheer material, glimpses of tanned skin making Sasuke lean backwards in his chair in an effort to adjust his tightening slacks. As soon as the movements slowed the body thrust itself upwards into the air, strong arms pulling the cloth upwards, revealing a body that was most definitely male.
Lean abdomen, golden skin, curved neck and startling blond hair, bright from daylight work. His hair was least surprising, however, when the figure pulled himself up from the ground, stomach pulsing as muscles compressed at the action, bringing the figure to his knees, bright blue eyes boring into Sasuke's very being.
The man blinked and turned his head though, such a simple movement…and yet such a huge break in the connection that Sasuke had suddenly felt. He was suddenly aware of himself, and aware of the music, some traditional song with bells that jingled every other beat…a sound that the blond made sure to emphasize with simple movements that caused his body to writhe like it was a natural movement.
The blond knelt close to the ground and swiveled on the palms of his feet, weaving his hands in the air as if drawing an invisible picture, glancing furtively to Sasuke as if to indulge him in the erotic way his body seemed to wind against the floor. Sasuke couldn't tear his gaze from the man's eyes, feeling as though he was being absorbed by them, each passing second making it harder for him to turn away.
He was captivated, unable to move. His breathing was slow as he continued to follow the movements, feeling an uncomfortable heat build up around him, like some kind of fire of lust pooling inside of him, making him unaware of his surroundings and absent-minded. He narrowed his eyes, trying to find the bright blue ones of this supposed dancer, catching them so easily as they seemed to only speak to him. It was as if they were the only ones in the room, as if the blond were taking down his defenses—to the point that if the dancer revealed a knife from his belt Sasuke would barely have the incentive to order it away.
Those eyes were turning red—or was it his imagination—and the world began to slow, his mouth growing dry, a voice in his head almost tempting him to jump forward and stop the blond in his movements; halt him from whatever magic he was using against him.
But applause erupted from the room and Sasuke blinked, uncomfortable with the fact he hadn't even noticed the dance had ended. As if he had been hypnotized and unable to escape. He frowned, feeling even surer that there was something strange about this group.
The blond glanced at him with knowing eyes and smirked, and Sasuke snorted before turning around, effectively disappearing from the performance all together. He didn't like being made a fool of, and as he passed a bodyguard of his, he issued an order.
"Bring me that man," he stated. He was going to make sure that little hypnotist knew just who held the power, and he was going to discover just why this accompaniment had come to Sound.
One thing was for sure in his mind. They weren't entertainers, and that blond was the most dangerous of them all.
A/N. Yeah, no drawn out story from me, haha. I promise it will be like four chapters at most! I had this awesome dream though and had to write it out. Thank you for reading and reviewing and I hope it sparks some interest!