Guard My Heart
Warnings: A SasuNaru fanfiction. Self-edited. Possible cases of OOC-ness. Rated M for future violence and some citrus.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything/anyone from Naruto. I'm just a soul who denies the truth that what Naruto's feeling for Sasuke is only a love for a best friend. Who is he kidding here?
A/N: For all those who have reviewed, added as a favourite, alerted and read the first chapter of Guard My Heart, you have my sincerest gratitude! Here's the second chapter. I hope you'll enjoy this!
Chapter 2
"When— what— why are you—! Teme!" Naruto's utter surprise at the sudden appearance of his supposed to be guard prevented him from managing to complete a rational sentence. The person who's now facing him has an unmistakably amusement painted on his face yet his lips remained immobile.
"What the hell?! When did you get here? Why are you here in the first place? I thought you're not showing yourself until tomorrow! You should have told me! Have you informed Dad about this? And why didn't you call me again in the office?! I was waiting!" He rained all the questions at once to the raven but Sasuke didn't pay him any attention instead he addressed the driver of the car.
"Izumo, start the car. Head straight home."
"Yes, Sir."
Not liking being ignored, the blonde slightly pushed a knuckle at the other's shoulder, "Hey! Are you ignoring me on purpose you bastard?! I asked you questions, you're supposed to answer them!"
"Hn, impatient as always. I suppose you can say I should answer your questions. After all, I'm employed by your father, Naruto-sama." The Uchiha stressed the last word, but there was playfulness in the way he said it, like it was meant more to embarrass Naruto rather than show him his subordination.
The impact of the word made its way successfully into the blonde's cheeks. He almost hid his face in his hands. "You bastard! Why do have to say it like that!" He coughed to calm himself, mumbling, "You know there's no need."
"Really, Sir? But you're my superior and I work for you."
"Geez teme! Stop it!"
Sasuke smirked and shrugged.
"Are you gonna answer my questions? Or I'll have to find the answers myself?" The blonde grunted.
"I'll answer them once we get home. I suggest you do something about your suit first unless feel comfortable like that."
His impatience turned to embarrassment when he realized that his clothes were sticking to his skin. He hurriedly looked for his stock of wet wipes but after a few moments of rummaging the entire backseat he was unable to find it. Sasuke only want to torment the blonde longer that's why he hasn't offered his handkerchief. He was about to fish it from his pocket when Neji turned to them and handed Naruto a box of wet tissues.
"Naruto-kun, here. You had them stashed here at the front."
"Oh thanks Neji! I thought I have them around here." He grabbed a few and started rubbing them on the stained area.
"No problem." Hyuuga replied.
The exchange made the Sasuke's brows rose. Trust Naruto to get comfortable with almost everyone around him. It's his charm that made him likeable by even the most stoic types. And that's what will make him vulnerable to danger.
Naruto was mumbling something that positively sounds like stupid teme in Sasuke's ear. The entire journey was spent in silence. The Uchiha was observing the blonde and the other passenger in the car. It will be useful to be informed of how Naruto behaves to certain people and how is his relationship to others.
The President refused to speak anymore. He felt annoyed because Sasuke didn't even bother to ask how he has been doing nor offer any explanation for disregarding his presence all those years. Being ignored of his questions doesn't make him feel better as well. For the blonde, it's a stab straight to his heart when Sasuke acts unconcern of him while he gets driven on the edge whenever he saw Sasuke engaged in dangerous missions all the time. He silently buried his distress. Maybe for the Uchiha, it was not essential for Naruto to be informed. Who is he to him anyway?
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The car stopped at the front of an iron-wrought high gate. The surrounding was made of stone wall that houses the three-storey mansion of the Namikaze's. When the car arrived, it honked three times and the gates automatically opened. Two guards stood inside to welcome them.
The blonde young man slid out of the car without waiting for Neji or Sasuke. His strides were long and rushed. He acknowledged the servants who greeted him as he made his way to his father's study. But before he reached the room though, his mother appeared before him.
"Naruto dear! Welcome home!" The red-haired woman hugged her son tightly and kissed him on both cheeks. "What happened to your clothes?" She said afterwards, eyes lingering on the stain.
The blonde grimaced. "Geez Mum. What am I? A three-year old kid?" Naruto exasperatedly sighed at his mother's overdramatic greeting. The red-haired only flashed a sweeter smile. "Now that you mentioned it, a certain someone caused me to spill my coffee." He jerked his head to his companion who was standing by the doorway.
"Who might that be?" Kushina's eyes followed the direction of the blonde's head. Her gaze landed on the infamous bodyguard.
"Oh my goodness! Sasuke-kun!" Naruto's mother immediately went over the newcomer, all disregarding her son whom she has been fussing just a few moments ago. The tanned guy shook his head. He saw Sasuke gave his mother a warm smile and returned her hug. If only Sasuke will let him be that comfortable around him too. The tanned guy left the two.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes! Tell your Dad that Sasuke's already here!" Kushina yelled on the retreating figure.
Naruto rolled his eyes and continued to his father's study. He knocked on the door before opening it.
"Dad!" He barged and slammed a hand on the table, not hard enough to rattle the older man but enough to catch his attention.
"Welcome home son. What's with the temper?" He calmly asked.
"Sasuke's here! Why didn't you tell me he's coming today? I looked like an idiot."
"Ah that. He hinted he might come here earlier but I thought he wasn't serious. You know how many things he has to settle first. I didn't think he can spare some time just to catch you unaware." Minato explained.
"He played a prank on me! He called me this morning in the office but he didn't say it was him but I know better. He's the only one who calms me dobe anyway." Naruto pouted. "Mum told me dinner's ready so you better hauled yourself there. I'm changing first."
"So he's here with you?" There was a hint of excitement in his tone.
"That's what I said. Mum's getting fervent over him already. You better hurry if you want to have a piece of him though." He said sarcastically.
"Is that jealousy I detect?" The blonde father teased.
"Jealous? Me? There's no way in hell!" He turned his back to his father and marched off. Minato had a knowing smile on his lips. It's definitely not jealousy Naruto feels but something far more complicated. In time, he hope the two young men will finally meet at their common point and only when that day comes will Minato feel truly at peace.
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Four people were seated around the long narra table. The head of the family sitting in the middle, right of him is her wife and on his left was Naruto. Sasuke chose the chair beside Kushina. His intention was to have the blonde on his sight. Naruto though, deduced it the other way. He interpreted it as Sasuke maintaining his distance from him.
"If I had known that you'll be coming tonight I would have made this dinner special." Kushina said, addressing the raven beside him.
The food was sumptuous and Naruto doesn't know how it can be grander than that. His Mum would probably hire some catering and more chefs to make it special. The blonde was not participating in the discussion nor was he looking at Sasuke. His attention was on the food and even though it was delicious, he can't take pleasure in the taste.
His parents and the Uchiha was engaged in the conversation about the latter's work in the government. Naruto doesn't care at all. He was never interested in Sasuke's line of work but there's not even a second when he didn't fear for his life. He knows Sasuke chose to be in military so he can gain knowledge and skills. He fully knows Sasuke's reason for that and he thought it was careless of the Uchiha to get revenge for his parents massacre just because he can, even with the possibility of himself getting killed. He thought it was selfish of him, not giving any consideration about the others who cares for him. He was like that since the beginning.
Flashback
He was sprawled with his stomach on the floor, papers litter all over him along with pencils, colouring pens and some other art materials. He was working on a project given by his Art teacher Deidera and he was having so much fun. His face has some blotches of paint and ink. When he heard his door being opened, he stood abruptly and saw his father being accompanied by a boy around his age. His complexion was pale and his face was definitely someone girls run after.
Minato approached his son. "Naruto, this is Sasuke Uchiha. He's the son of your Uncle Fugaku and Aunt Mikoto. You do remember them, don't you? We used to have lunch at their house when you were just a kid." The thirteen year old blonde kid stared at the raven. He was trying to recall whether he has seen the face. The raven however didn't show any expression of recognition and he was looking at the blonde with lack of interest, almost bored, like it's a waste of time.
"Sasuke, this is my son Naruto. From now on, you two try to get along with each other because Sasuke is going to stay here with us." He softly said.
The blonde snapped his head towards his father, his eyes confused. "Why is he gonna live with us, Dad?"
"I'll explain it some other time, all right? For now, I'll leave Sasuke here with you. Why don't you have a chat with him? Talk about things like your school. He'll probably be studying there as well and there might be a chance that you two will be classmates." Minato cheerfully said.
"Then, I'm going to work. Sasuke, if you need anything, you can ask Naruto or Kushina or anyone around here. There's no need to be shy. Treat this as your own home and all of us as your new family." The adult blonde pats Sasuke's shoulder and leaves a comforting smile before he left the room.
When his father was gone, Naruto round to the other person, "Sasuke right? My name's Naruto. I remember you parents. Aunt Mikoto's superb in cooking and Uncle Fugaku's a genius in chess! I hope we can be friends." He offered his hand to the Uchiha while grinning.
The raven remained stoic and threw a look of disgust at his hand. The look made Naruto glance at his hand and smiled awkwardly. The hand that was offered to the raven was covered in paint.
"Sorry about that. My hand's filthy because I was in the middle of doing an art project." He hurriedly wiped it on his jeans and offered it once again. "Here, it's clean now."
But Sasuke didn't took it either. He raised a brow at the blonde and said in a cold voice, "I don't need a friend."
"What?! Why? But Dad told us to get along with each other. Also, is there a person who doesn't need friends?" He asked, clearly confused.
"Hn. Such a dobe." Sasuke smirked.
"What did you say?!" He spat, his blue eyes narrowed.
"If you think I'm here to play house with your family, you're clearly mistaken. I only took advantage of the situation because I'm not yet allowed to live on my own. If I have any choice I wouldn't pick a place where a dobe like you lives."
"You bastard! Take that back now!" The blonde roared which only amused the Uchiha. Sasuke felt better as he released his frustration, in this case it's the blonde kid that has the misfortune of being the subject.
"Why would I? It's true anyway."
"You son of—" He caught himself before he can say the word. His Mum forbids him to curse and he would receive another lecture if he had. "If you don't like me, fine! I won't force myself to you, you teme! It's not I need you to be my friend! But don't you ever EVER be rude to my parents like that, you hear?!"
The raven raised his brows, "Who are you to tell me what to do?"
"My Dad permitted you to stay here. The least you can do is to be grateful to them."
The voice Sasuke used was hard as steel, "I don't need your Dad's pity or your Mum's concern. I didn't ask for any of this, so don't expect me to do what you want."
"You ungrateful bastard!" And he lunged to Sasuke. Both of them stumbled on the floor. The blonde was resting on the other's stomach, a hand grabbing the scruff of the shirt. Naruto had his other fist in the air, ready to strike the face below him, but then he noticed that Sasuke's eyes are blank. Like he doesn't care whatever Naruto plans on doing to him. Like he welcome the pain.
His brows scrunched up before realizing what he was about to do. He looked at him quizzically. He was about to got himself off from the raven when she heard her mother.
"Naruto dear? I thought I heard raised voices." Kushina appeared on Naruto's door and her eyes landed on the figure of Sasuke plopped on the ground with Naruto still straddling him. "Oh my! What happened here?" She hurried to the boys and pushed Naruto away. The blonde landed on his butt with a thud.
With a look of utter disappointment to the still slumped Naruto, Kushina helped Sasuke get on his feet. "Are you alright, Sasuke-kun? Are you hurt anywhere?"
"No. I'm fine." Was the curt reply.
Kushina inspected the raven for any injury, when she was satisfied, she rounded on Naruto who was on his feet already and spoke on a stern voice, "Naruto, you're grounded for a week."
"What?! But Mum! Why? It's not my fault!" The blonde retorted.
"It matters not. Sasuke just got here and look at what you're doing to him. I expected better from you." Her mother usually raises her voice when she's mad but this time she spoke with coldness that made the blonde shiver. He has clearly disappointed her even though it's not entirely his fault.
"Sasuke come on. Let's get down and I'll fix you a snack." Kushina shot a contemptuous glance at her son before ushering Sasuke out.
The raven glance at him before he disappeared, a mocking smirk shadowing his lips. The blonde however returned it with a heated glare that can burn a hole through anything. Right there and then Naruto came to realize the fact that it's impossible for the two of them to get along with each other.
End of flashback
"Naruto dear, you're not eating up. Is the food not to your liking? Or perhaps you're not feeling well?" Kushina anxiously asked his son who for some reason was playing with his food for a few moments now. He wasn't even joining the conversation and was looking distracted.
Sasuke noticed that the blonde was too silent. The Naruto he knows has been a loud, boisterous and lively person but the one in front of him was meek and silent. He seems to be daydreaming of some sort. Instead of asking him, he kicked Naruto's left leg using his own and the blonde dropped his fork with a loud tinkle.
"What the fuck?!" His eyes narrowed on the raven who was smirking slightly. This is more he like it.
"Naruto!" Kushina's eyes flashed at her son.
"But Sasuke—" The raven assumed an innocent expression and Naruto cursed. Damn this teme!
"Sorry Mum." He said apologetically.
"Are you all right son?" Minato asked.
"Yes Dad. I'm not really hungry. I'll be going ahead. Excuse me." He left the rest on the table and made his way to his room. Suddenly remembering the past brought mixed emotions to the blonde. Who would have thought that the person he hates the most will be the one he will learn to love. Such irony.
He took a quick shower before heading to bed. He dropped his body on the mattress, staring at the painted ceiling. How many years has it been since then? He smiled in reminisce. Their first encounter was really a disaster. He may not have realized his actions back then and he didn't have any idea about Sasuke. None at all. All he knows was his name and his obvious hate for something or someone. After years, he still can't say he knows the raven. Sasuke never opened himself enough for Naruto to comfort him. All of his knowledge of the Uchiha came from his father. He can still feel the pain in his heart whenever he recalls the story about Sasuke's family. His heart cried out for him. If he can only stand by his side, he wouldn't wish for anything else.
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"I wonder if that kid feels alright." The blonde father said. Just while ago Naruto was still energetic but when he came to dinner, he suddenly became quiet. They had finished their dinner and were enjoying coffee in the veranda.
Sasuke placed his cup down and stood, "I'll go and ask him. Please excuse me." He politely left the couple.
"Minato, do you think it's wise for Sasuke to be with Naruto? Our son doesn't know of his real situation. You know how he will reject the idea of Sasuke acting as his bodyguard if he realized that his life's on danger. Our son place high value on Sasuke's life and he wouldn't want him to get hurt just because of him." Kushina said in a worried voice. She understands her son; after all she has been the witness of how their animosity changed to friendship as the years go by.
Minato placed a hand on Kushina's own, squeezing it. "I know dear. The truth is it was not me who informed Sasuke of the situation. With his extensive knowledge on things, I'm sure he learned of Naruto's case through his own work. My first choice was Kakashi. Actually there was no other choice. I wouldn't leave Naruto's safety to anyone else. But Sasuke suddenly came to see me. We talked and he convinced that he should be Naruto's bodyguard. I know of a reason why he did that."
"And what is that?" Kushina curiously asked.
The blonde shook his head. It's not his place to tell. "I can't say. It's up to Sasuke dear."
Kushina looked puzzled but decided to leave the subject. She hopes Sasuke and her husband knew what they are doing. She hopes they made the right choice.
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Sasuke walked the familiar path on the mansion's second floor. This is where his dobe's room was located. Just on its right was the guest room that was given to Sasuke to have as his own. He was the one who chose it, even though there are plenty of others in the house.
Once he was in front of the door, he knocked. "Naruto?" There was no answer. He knocked again. This time louder than before. There was still no reply. His brows furrowed. He knows the Namikaze compound is safe and protected but he can never be sure. His work has made him alert and doubtful of every little thing, to never feel at ease. He had his hand on his gun and turned the knob. It was unlocked. Damn! Naruto better knew than to leave his door susceptible! He went inside the dim room silently. He scanned the entire place for any possible danger before deciding it's safe. His eyes landed on the bed. A figure was laid on the middle. His dobe. The lamp on the bedside table was the only source of light illuminating the room. He put his gun back on upholster in his waist before approaching the bed. The blonde was sprawled eagle like and was slightly snoring. His blonde locks were slightly damp causing it to fall on his forehead and the side of his face. A small genuine smile formed on his lips. Oh how he missed him. He will never allow any harm to fall on Naruto, as long as he lives. Sitting on the bed, he dipped his head and placed a soft kiss on a scarred cheek.
"I'm home, Naruto."
A/N: That's it for now. Reviews?