A.
Naruto loops the laces around his high tops three times, mindful of the carefully curated scuffs he's made on his shoes, wondering if there's enough of them or if he needs to make more. There's a certain look he's going for―bummy, his mother calls it, but he and all the other teens think it's cool.
She hates that he buys shoes for the sole purpose of ruining them but at least he's not using her money anymore. Not that she approves of that either, since the money he gets doesn't come from the best of places. They don't talk about such things though, since he's not sure how and she doesn't ask because of plausible deniability.
Neji sits on the porch steps beside him, silently judging Naruto's scruffiness like only he can. He should be used to it by now, after all this time, but he's still going to stare passive-aggressively while Naruto ignores him. His friend is too perm-pressed for his own good. He'd probably iron his bomber jacket if he could, the one they all wear with the matching colors and kanji. But he can't, so he'll settle on dragging soft fingers through Naruto's hair in the hopes of getting it to lay down.
"Hey, hey!" Naruto protests, flailing wildly to get him to stop. "I look fine! Stop it!"
"No, you don't." Neji replies immediately, mean as ever. Naruto sticks his tongue out and springs up to hide behind Shikamaru when Neji reaches for him again.
Shikamaru grunts, annoyed at being a human shield, but he doesn't make Naruto move.
"Not everyone wants to be pretty like you, Neji." Kiba says around a laugh, bounding down the stairs to join Shikamaru and Naruto on the sidewalk. Anyone else would probably lose their jaw if they called Neji pretty to his face but he lets it slide when he's amongst friends. If that's what they are at this point. Brothers, really. Family. That's why Neji only flicks Kiba off and Kiba returns it while Naruto dodges his long nails.
"Speak for yourself." Choji quips from his place by the door, making them all laugh.
They're fifteen this year. Physically at least, since on the streets they've already lived forever. It's hard not to grow up in a day around here. Still, in his eyes they're kids, even if no one else thinks so.
"Where's Sasuke?" Shikamaru asks after a while, directing the question mainly towards Naruto and Neji since they're the most likely to know. "He's late."
Naruto doesn't know for once, a rarity in itself, shrugging in response. Neji rolls his eyes and sighs, pursing his lips like he's put out as he says: "Fugaku-san said there was something he needed to discuss with both him and Itachi-nii. He should be here soon."
No one comments on the fact that it's odd that Neji wasn't included as well. As a ward of the Uchiha, as one of the last heirs of the Hyuga, he's rarely left out of important matters. Neji's constantly sore about which name he should carry, which banner to raise, so they all do their best to tiptoe around delicate subjects like this one.
Kiba sucks his teeth, brow low on his face. "He could have told us so we wouldn't be sitting around here like idiots."
"Since when does he tell us anything?" Shikamaru says dryly. He yawns widely and rolls his shoulders in his jacket, shaking off his sleepiness. Then he says, quieter: "It's easier if you're just along for the ride."
They all already are, aren't they? Since Kiba's mother brokers weapons almost as good as she does information. Shikamaru's father doesn't leave anything behind for the cops to find. Choji's dad makes sure that all debts are paid in full, while Neji and Naruto are limited editions, remnants of a bygone age, their last names only spoken of in hushed whispers.
Heirs to thrones made of blood and shit. Little heathens left to their own devices, running wild and free until someone decides that maybe they'll carry on the legacy. Maybe. If they make it that far.
No one really fucks with them since they wear the Uchiha colors. The red, white and black smeared across their backs like blood. They're given a wide berth because Sasuke's scary even if he's so young.
He's not the only one.
Kiba's trigger happy, Shikamaru's creative with his punishments, Choji's heavy handed, Neji's well connected and secretly sadistic, and Naruto?
Ha. Good luck with that.
That's not including the countless other members. Or Itachi. Or Fugaku himself, devil that he is. They have free reign of this town because even the worst demons in the dark have some sense of self preservation.
The thieves, the cutthroats, the ne'er-do-wells and vagabonds all cower in front of a bunch of kids. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.
Not that Naruto cares much. It's how they were raised. It's all that they know. Somehow, that feels like an excuse, even if its the truth.
Still, what Shikamaru says sobers them for some reason, like they hadn't given it much thought. Naruto has. Plenty of times before. It's unusual for one of the others to say such things, though.
"Well, that's fucking depressing, isn't it?" Kiba says, snorting. "Jeez, such is the life of a lackey, I guess."
They're more than happy with being just that. It has some stellar perks, let me tell ya.
"We're not lackeys." Neji protests. Of course he does. His room is the only one lined with gold. It takes everything in Naruto's power not to say that, not to throw it in his face. It's not like he chose his situation—It's not like any of them did—but it's still glaringly obvious that some of their positions are loftier than others. Naruto doesn't have the right to say shit anyway; he's Sasuke's favorite. That's a whole different can of worms.
And they all know it.
"If you say so." Choji says, his tone light. Another touchy subject for them, one to tactfully avoid.
They don't have to for long, since Sasuke strolls up soon after—hands in his pockets, scowl on his face. He looks positively thunderous.
"Here we fucking go." Shikamaru mumbles under his breath. Naruto pinches his arm as he bites down a smirk. Shikamaru looks at him mischievously but says nothing else.
"Hey, chief!" Kiba calls, waving. "Whose knees are we breaking today?" He says it like a joke, but Sasuke's face doesn't change so that might actually be the plan.
Sasuke's scowl deepens. "I don't know his name." See? "But I know what he looks like. Sakura asked me a favor so we're gonna go take care of it."
"Of course we are if she's involved." Neji says pointedly. "It's not like you're under her spell, or anything."
Anyone else would probably lose their jaw if they said something so blunt to Sasuke, but he lets it slide when he's amongst friends. If that's what they are at this point. Brothers, really. Family. Or lackeys, like Kiba said. That's why Sasuke only stares at Neji in challenge and Neji raises his eyebrow in the same while Naruto looks between them.
"You bold son-of-a-bitch." Kiba mumbles, looking impressed. Neji smirks at him and Kiba smirks back.
"What did this guy do?" Shikamaru asks, ignoring the both of them.
Sasuke glares at those two for a moment before turning his attention to Shikamaru to give his answer.
"He hit her. She's bruised up and scared so yeah, we're gonna take care of it." He sends a pointed look over to Kiba and Neji, who both now look surprised and a bit chastised for poking fun.
"Hit her?" Naruto echoes, incensed. Sasuke looks to him finally and nods in confirmation. "Well, he's fucking dead."
Not that he encourages that. It's a figure of speech. They've never killed anyone before. Never even came close. But Sasuke won't let this guy off easy, especially not when his girlfriend's involved, so they're at least going to pay the guy back twice over for the damage he's caused.
Sasuke nods with approval. He seems to notice Naruto and Shikamaru's proximity, since Naruto's still standing behind him. His mouth says nothing, but the look in his eyes has Naruto stepping away so he can stand next to Sasuke instead, poorly disguising his haste. A common occurrence lately, one that Naruto hates with all his heart.
The tension in Sasuke's body relaxes slightly and Naruto can't help but let out a shuddering breath.
The others pretend like they don't see.
Like they always do.
"Let's get going, then." Neji says, acquiescing. He doesn't look away like the others. His gaze on Naruto is hard but he won't speak on what just happened, either.
Part of Naruto really wishes he would. He's the only one that could even come close to reigning Sasuke in when he acts like that—like Naruto's not allowed to be close to anyone other than him, both physically and emotionally — but Neji's place is at their sides, not in between them. For his safety or his sanity, Naruto can't be sure.
Probably both.
"Hanabi has a recital tonight and I'm not missing it."
"Yeah, she told me she'd never forgive me if I did." Naruto adds, chuckling to hide his embarrassment.
"We doing this bare hands or with bats?" Kiba asks, eyes dancing. "Please says bats."
Sasuke pretends to think of a moment, eyes taking on that glow they get whenever he gets riled up. There's always enough excitement to go around, plenty of bad shit for them to get into and not enough time in the day. It makes him look insane.
That's because he is.
They do him no good by feeding into it, but, who said any of them are good?
This is for a good cause, though. Sakura's their friend and they're not going to let some shitty woman beater get away with it. That's what Naruto tells himself, anyway. That's his story and he's sticking to it.
"Any objections?" Sasuke says, quite diplomatically. He isn't so like his father; he lets them keep their individuality, lets the have their own opinions. Lets them protest and rebel as long as it doesn't go too far. Most times he has the last say, but he lets them have their differing views regardless.
A benevolent king, when the subjects are loyal.
"None." Neji replies, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
"How primitive." Shikamaru drawls wryly. "I'm in."
"Fine by me." Choji says at the same time.
"Yes!" Kiba grins, bounding back up the stairs to go retrieve the weapons of choice.
Naruto doesn't have to say anything because they know he'll agree. He always does with Sasuke. There's never any question of that.
He's down. Always.
Always has been, always will be. It'd take a hell of a lot to change that.
Even if he hesitates sometimes, even if he thinks the edge is getting closer, even if sometimes he wonders if they've already fallen over it— but when he looks at Sasuke's back as the other boy leads them forward, he thinks:
Yeah, this is where he's meant to be.
B.
There's a dinky bar nestled into a corner on 31st and Grove that's seen way better days. After all these years Naruto doesn't know the name of it. Maybe because the sign's been missing for as long as he can remember — old, rusted hinges that still creak when it's a bit too windy — or maybe it never had one.
Both are possible, since the lazy bastard who runs it never got around to fixing the sign, so who's to say he he ever got around to naming the place, either?
It's Naruto's best bet, though, since Jiraiya always has an ear to the streets. He's like every old bartender in an RPG; you pick enough of the right options and he'll blab about the whole town.
It seems fitting, since Naruto's on a quest.
The bell above the door dings softly as he enters, alerting the inhabitants to his presence. Not that there are many inside at this hour: it's only a quarter past noon so only the hardcore drunks are here this early. Or those that like a shitty bar breakfast that's barely more than an afterthought.
The place just opened, so Naruto can get to Jiraiya before he gets too busy or distracted like he's bound to get.
Jiraiya's a friend of the family, just like most of the old heads around here. It's hard not to see him as a grandfatherly type even though he's far from it. He was around for most of Naruto's teachable moments: riding a bike, shaving his first scraggly beard, and hot-wiring a car.
The duplicity of man.
He was never one to have colors since it would serve the old man no good. His place is neutral territory, a demilitarized zone. No one would dare to start a shootout in Jiraiya's place since they'd probably catch a bullet from the 12-gauge that hides underneath the bartop. Everyone knows it's there and everyone knows how good Jiraiya is with it, so no one's too keen on taking any chances.
Still, Naruto can't be so sure that he can trust him. Sure the old man's always been pretty impartial and nonjudgmental, but when Naruto skipped town he left more than a few people behind..
It was his mother who did her best to raise him, the shopkeepers who always slipped a little extra in his bag because he made them laugh during an otherwise boring shift, the teachers who wanted him to make something of himself instead of falling into Konoha's trap, or the friends who supported him even when they didn't agree with what he was doing and who he was doing it with.
So he can't be sure if his return will be so welcome for anyone , since he made it so clear that he couldn't wait to escape before the dust cleared.
Jiraiya looks up from the bar top he was absently scrubbing, eyes dragging away from the erotic book that rarely leaves his hands. Naruto can't help but snort, a strange feeling gripping his chest despite his nerves.
"Welcome." Jiraiya says dryly, already looking away. Customer service has never been his strong suit. "What can I yet ya?"
"Rum and coke." Naruto replies immediately, placing his card down as he sits. It's all he ever drinks when he's at a bar since it's quick and easy. He also doesn't like the taste of hard liquor, preferring wine most times.
His friends used to call him a pussy for it.
He wonders what they call him now, after everything.
"Coming right up."
Naruto settles in at the end of the bar, wary of the two other inhabitants inside. He only recognizes one; a graying salaryman who he used to pass by on the train platform on his way to school. He had three kids last time Naruto checked—maybe more now—and the bags under his eyes tell a story that Naruto won't bother to read.
They make eye contact but there's no light of recognition in the other man's eyes, just sorrow and regret over some memories he's trying to drown in the brown liquor that sloshes around in his glass.
The other one looks almost too young to be here at first glance—a shock of red hair settled wildly around his face that's shielding his eyes— but with a second Naruto can see that they're about about the same age. The guy doesn't look up from his phone so Naruto ignores him for the time being.
"Here you go." Jiraiya says, nearly making Naruto jump. He acknowledges him with a nod, sipping slowly, looking up through his lashes while keeping his head lowered.
Jiraiya doesn't move away immediately, eyebrow raised. Naruto sees the older man narrow his eyes and cock his head sideways, almost like he's confused.
"No hoods on inside." He says, shaking his head. "C'mon, you know better, Naruto."
Naruto chuckles lowly into his drink. chagrined. Of course he'd be recognized immediately; Jiraiya looked at him nearly everyday for years. Some might say he raised him, filled in all the blanks his mother (and father) couldn't. He'd spot Naruto in a crowd even if he shaved off all of his hair and painted himself purple.
"Sorry, sorry." He mumbles, throwing back his hood. "I'm trying to be incognito. S'not working too well, is it?"
"It took me a second when I didn't see the hair." Jiraiya admits. He gently tilts Naruto's face up to get a better look at him, fingers brushing gently over his scars like he's afraid to hurt him.
They don't hurt anymore, haven't for years. At least, not physically.
"But these give you away." He finishes, so softly it's almost a whisper.
Of course they do.
"Your mom also mentioned that you might be stopping through soon." Of course she did. "Don't worry, I haven't told anyone you're here. I thought she was bullshitting me but, here you are."
Naruto isn't sure what he feels at the fond look that follows. He isn't sure what to say to that either. Luckily, Jiraiya talks enough for the both of them.
"You seen any of the boys yet?" He asks lowly, not mincing words.
Naruto snorts, shaking his head. "Nope." He answers simply.
As if any of this is simple.
"Plan to?" Jiraiya says, eyebrow climbing higher.
"Not really." Naruto admits.
"Humph." Is all he gets. The older man is clearly displeased but he knows better than to push. "That's fair I guess, given the circumstances." He pauses, mind going somewhere far off. Probably somewhere wistful and rose—colored that never existed except for in their minds. "So, what do you need me for? Obviously you got something to ask that you think I know, so go right ahead."
He always loved that about Jiraiya, always quick to get down to business. Naruto looks around at the other patrons inside but they don't seem to be paying attention. He turns back to Jiraiya who's leaned closer in so they won't be overheard.
"What have you heard about the disappearances around here?" Naruto asks, swallowing thickly. Shit, he planned to ease into it instead of asking outright. Being too direct around here is way too fucking risky. But his heart knows he can trust Jiraiya, even if he head disagrees.
The other man isn't phased at all. He blinks once and purses his lips, tapping his temple he's thinking.
"Which ones?" He asks dryly, nearly rolling his eyes. "The regular ones that stem from deals gone wrong or the girls that have gotten snatched on their way home at night?"
It would definitely have to be—"The latter." Naruto replies. He knows all about the first kind too but he'd have a better chance trying to turn the sky yellow than trying to solve those.
There's usually nothing left to find with the former. He prays that isn't true for those girls.
Or Haku.
Jiraiya's brow creases in worry, hand forming a fist on the counter. Not a good sign. Shit.
"Well…" He says around a sigh. "There's not much to go off of. Most of the families say that the girls weren't wrapped up in any funny business but who's to say? They've all been taken around the same neighborhood and the police circle it daily but more girls are still going missing. The mayor's tempted to have a curfew but fuck all that'll do. It's been a mess."
"What side of town have they been taken from?" Naruto asks, feeling defeated. If even Jiraiya knows so little then this is going to be even harder than he thought.
He sees the older man hesitate and Naruto can't help but feel apprehensive without knowing why.
"Around El's Butcher Shop on Fillmore," Jiraiya replies lowly. He's already shaking his head before Naruto can respond since he knows what he's thinking.
That butcher shop? But that's in—
"I know whose territory it's in but c'mon, Naruto." He says, giving him an almost disappointed look. "Fugaku's not that kind of man and he wouldn't let things go on like that right under his nose."
It's going on right now, isn't it? And in his territory too. Fuck.
"Yeah, probably not." Naruto says, even though it feels like a lie. He wouldn't put anything past Fugaku, nothing at all, but in case anyone's listening he's gotta make sure he's not pointing any fingers.
"It's still odd, though." Jiraiya admits, scratching his beard. "That no one's seen or heard anything. Everyone's being insanely tight lipped about the whole thing." He sighs again, sucking his teeth.
"I feel like I'm letting you down, kiddo, cause I got nothing."
"It's okay." Naruto assures, finishing off his drink. "I figured this was going to be really complicated and I wasn't wrong."
"Yeah." Jiraiya replies, crossing his arms and looking away. " Why the interest, anyway?" He asks, trying to look innocent.
Naruto snorts, feeling generous. It might not have been much but the older man gave him somewhere to look, so he'll at least throw him a bone. They've always had a shared love of gossip.
"I'm looking for someone." Is what he says, watching Jiraiya's brows raise again with slight amusement.
"Oh? Somebody owe you money?" He asks, chuckling. Naruto wishes he could laugh with him, but he can't. Jiraiya notices this and sobers immediately, cringing a little. "Show me."
Naruto produces a picture. One of his favorites because the smile Haku wears in it could power the whole city. It makes his heart flinch but Naruto pushes it aside, turning it around so Jiraiya can see.
"She's pretty." Jiraiya says immediately, poorly disguising his ogling. Naruto chuckles before correcting him, having to do it so often it feels like second nature.
"He, actually."
"Really? Well, alright then." Jiraiya replies, chuckling too. "What's his name?"
"Haku. I take it you haven't seen him, then?" It was a long shot anyway. Naruto tries not to feel too disappointed since he knew better.
"I think I'd remember if I did." The other man replies. "What was he doing down here? You want me to ask around for him?"
"No, don't." That'd just end up causing trouble, no doubt. "He was looking into the disappearances and then we lost contact. That's why I'm here."
"You think he found something he shouldn't have?" Jiraiya asks, voice dipping even lower.
"Probably."
"And your plan is to go poking the same bushes he was, right?"
Stupidly, the answer's yes.
"Yeah. He's a friend and I won't leave him out here without trying to find him first." Even if the longer he's gone the less likely it is that Haku's still alive and kicking.
"Well, I don't have to tell you of all people to be careful, do I?" Jiraiya tuts, sounding fatherly like he often does. "Cause I know I can't convince you otherwise."
"I will be." Is all he can say, feeling like he's in the twilight zone since he's had this conversation three times since yesterday. It must really be worse around here.
"This town's always been insane but, I don't know. Something's coming and I can't tell you what. Some shit is really about to hit the fan. I can't lie and say I wish you weren't around for it."
Naruto does have the worst timing, doesn't he?
"If it's what I think it is, then I'm as much a part of this as anyone else." Even if he's fucked up and convinced himself otherwise. "I just hope it's not what I think it is."
Jiraiya ruffles his hair, giving him a sad, wistful smile. "Me too, kid. Me too."
C.
He ends up staying way too long, at Jiraiya's behest. Their musings soon became nostalgic —some stories sad, some hilarious, some a strange mix between the two. Naruto looks up and suddenly it's 3:30; hours from his day gone that he could have spent looking, but he doesn't feel too guilty over it.
It's good to see Jiraiya. It always is in his mind, but especially because it's been so long. Besides, he takes the time to find out about what else the old man knows, whether it relates to his investigation or not. Jiraiya's a valuable ally to have, especially when times are going to become more trying than they already are. That's what he tells himself, at least, when one drink becomes two and two drinks become six.
His first full day back and he's already on the sauce. A stellar start, if you ask him.
Jiraiya—bless him—lets Naruto sleep it off in the backroom in relative safety. When he comes to, it's nearly eight.
Naruto curses, mouth dry and lips cracked. He could kick himself for being so stupid, passing out for so long and wasting the rest of the day away. The sun's down too, and he didn't bring any type of protection besides his trusty knife.
Dammit. Now he'll have to walk back in the dark and hope he doesn't get mugged, or worse.
There's a post-it stuck to his sleeve. He's not sure how it managed to stay on since he's a violent sleeper but it doesn't matter. Jiraiya left it for him, and it reads:
" Full house tonight. Lots of familiar faces. Best not leave through the front door. The code to the back is 6506. If things get too hot you can use this place as a hideout. Good luck, kid. Don't be a stranger."
He maybe violently loves him for that. Maybe.
Naruto carefully enters the code into the keypad and checks the alley to make sure no one's lingering about. He doesn't see anyone but still waits a few minutes to make sure his exit is clear. When nothing stirs, he pulls his hood back up and stuffs his hands into his hoodie, hunching over and squaring his shoulders to seem menacing as he walks.
It worked when he was younger. Parted the masses on the sidewalk like the red sea.
Fitting, since he might have to ask the pharaoh to let his people go, if the rumors are true.
It doesn't matter much—this little show he's putting on—because the streets are fairly empty. Strange, but it makes sense. Both his mother and Jiraiya alluded to the town spiraling out of control, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that people are being more cautious when night rolls around.
That's a shitty way to live, though. For all the going-ons to stop in fear of those things that go bump in the night. It's not Naruto's problem. He's not here to clean up the streets. He couldn't care less if the town burned down tomorrow.
A lie if he ever heard one, but whatever.
His walk is almost pleasant, save for the ever present need to check over his shoulder after a few steps. Each time he looks back there's no one behind him, no one at all, but exactly five steps later he's looking again and squinting into the dark.
He crosses into Uchiha territory after eight minutes, only needs to walk for another three until he's darkening his mother's doorstep again. He feels slightly more at ease here—old habits die hard—but he's still cautious. He starts looking over his shoulder every ten steps, instead.
Naruto passes by some shop windows, absently looking into them as he passes. His reflection looks foreign to him almost — Before, the holographic letters that spelled out his name caught on the fluorescent lights, making a prismic rainbow.
They'd be bathed in color, heads thrown back and laughing, shining bright and blinding. Naruto would catch his own eyes in the reflection and he looked so happy, so warm and whole, surrounded by—
The solid black of his hoodie does none of that, and his feet echo on the cement, alone.
He sighs, shaking away such thoughts as he trudges forward.
There's a restaurant up ahead. People spill out onto the sidewalk, hugging and kissing each other's cheeks as they prepare to depart. A meeting of some sort, from the looks of it, and Naruto slows his approach as he prepares to move in between all the chatting bodies.
As he passes through the throng, he can't help but take a look inside. The place looks pricey, fancier than he's used to. Too rich for his blood, he's always said. There's a valet stand and everything. He rolls his eyes at all the pompous assholes who no doubt eat there, getting a little too lost in thought because in the next moment he's bumping into something solid and warm.
If it wasn't for the distinctive feeling of cotton beneath the hand he puts out to steady himself, he'd think he hit a brick wall. The guy's that fucking built. Naruto's already muttering out apologies before he hazards a look up and then his next words die on his tongue.
Kisame Hoshigaki stands in front of him, still nearly seven feet tall and incredibly fucking intimidating.
Great. One of the of the top ten people Naruto really didn't want to see right now. Or ever.
But here he is; a giant, immovable object standing between Naruto and blissful ambiguity. There's no way the brute won't recognize him, not while Naruto's head is craned so far back to look into his eyes and definitely not with look of immense surprise that passes over Kisame's face like a shadow.
He would be the idiot to nearly bowl over Itachi's right hand man while doing his best to be inconspicuous. Tch.
There's no way the others won't hear about his return now. His fate is sealed in with Kisame's slow, almost smug smile.
"Naruto Uzumaki." He says warmly, dragging out his name like it's come from the cigarette he's holding and chuckling in that creepy way of his. Naruto hated him when they were younger. Kisame seemed like Mr. Bad Touch so Naruto always made sure to never be alone with him. He can't believe tonight was the night he broke that streak.
Tch.
"Kisame." Naruto replies dryly, feeling his hackles raise.
"Fancy meeting you here, isn't it?" He asks, sounding like he has to keep himself from laughing at his own poor joke. Naruto bites the inside of his cheek and shrugs stiffly, struggling not to turn tail and run. "You know, usually when people ride off into the sunset the story's over, right? You lookin' to do a sequel?"
Is that what he thinks Naruto did? Ride off into the sunset? Bullshit. Someone needs to fork over his fucking happy ending if that's the case, because his tale only gets worse as time goes on.
"Hardly. I'm just passing through." He replies tightly, trying to push passed him. Kisame doesn't budge but it's not really like Naruto expected him to. He has to try anyway even if he knows it's fruitless.
A common theme, lately.
"No such thing." He's right about that, at least. "How long have you been in town for?" Kisame asks, raising an eyebrow, challenge in his eyes. "Cause we haven't heard anything about you being back."
Naruto doesn't want to dig himself into a deeper hole. The Uchiha Clan owned him—his every thought, his every move, his everything . So of course they'd feel entitled to him the minute he came back into town. He's not going back without a fight, but he can't step on too many toes.
The fact that they didn't kill him once he defected says enough. A luxury not many are afforded. He got a "get out of jail free card" because of what his family did—suffered, sacrificed— for the Uchiha's, but he won't get a second.
So, Naruto puts on a fake smile and shrugs again, willing his heart to stop beating so fast at Kisame's scrutiny.
"Only since this morning." He lies through his teeth. The next part is true, at least. "I'm staying with my mom for a while and I just came back from Jiraiya's bar."
Then quieter, he says: "I was going to come to see the group tomorrow."
No he wasn't. Not at all. He kinda rather die but he's he's not going to say that.
Kisame nods but doesn't reply. He has a natural stone face so it's hard to tell if he believes Naruto or not. That doesn't bother him too much since he's not the one he'll have to convince to keep the peace.
That's a lie. It bothers him a little, because after an uncomfortable stretch of silence Naruto hears himself saying: "Look, If it's not cool for me to be here, I'll —"
Kisame cuts him off, which is good, because Naruto didn't want to say he'll have to leave since he can't just yet.
"That's not for me to decide." Kisame says flatly. He's looking at Naruto like he's an idiot and Naruto can't refute that at the moment. "Take that up with him." He says, shooting a look over Naruto's shoulder.
Shit.
It shouldn't hit him like it does to see him. Or better yet, them. But Naruto's chest starts to hurt all the same as he spins around to see Itachi and Neji exiting the restaurant at that exact moment, heads bent together in a quiet conversation. Naruto feels himself gasp, equally horrified and strangely disappointed.
He thought—
You can guess who he'd thought it'd be, can't you?
They spot him at the same time, stopping short as other random people spill out onto the sidewalk, waving their goodbyes.
When he spun around his hood came off, so they have a clear look at his face. That's apparent from the way Neji's face drains of color and Itachi's eyebrows shoot into his hairline.
"Naruto?" They say in unison, except Neji's is more of a stage whisper and Itachi's is smooth like butter as always, even though he's clearly floored.
Naruto's throat croaks with some ugly jumble of words that refuse to form, eyes swinging back and forth between them as he wills down his panic.
He fails.
Fuck.
The moment is charged with energy, crackling like static in his ears. It's seconds, but it feels like hours, before anyone says or does anything else.
It's Neji who moves first, hand clenching by his side so hard that Naruto's sure his notoriously long nails are cutting into his palms. Naruto notes that they're dressed to the nines, suits permed-pressed and hair slicked back. There must have been some business meeting inside the restaurant earlier, something important if the both of them were in attendance.
Something family related, if Kisame was too.
Can't go anywhere without the brawn, after all.
Neji studies him too—sees Naruto's boring black hoodie which must feel like a slap in the face, given the way he swallows hard. But the look on Neji's face when he sees the white, slightly raised lines on Naruto's cheeks will probably keep him up tonight.
Oh, that's right. It's the first time Neji's seeing them, absent blood and hot tears. He must have known it'd leave scars, given how deep the knife cut. But the last time Neji saw Naruto he was covered in blood-soaked bandages, laying in a hospital bed, staring at the ceiling even though he barely saw it.
"I'll come tomorrow." Neji had said, so quiet and hurt and full of regret, but Naruto was long gone by the time he showed up.
Naruto wonders if that exact scene plays in his head like it does for Naruto. It must, since Neji looks away like the sight burns, turning on his heel without another word and power-walking to the curb as the valet brings the car around with impeccable timing.
Neji disappears behind tinted windows without so much as a second look, and Naruto pretends like that didn't just hurt like hell.
Pretty sure he fails. Pretty sure the pain splashes across his face like a puddle after a hard rain.
Silence.
He watches the car until it disappears around a corner after it pulls off, and the air feels thick when Naruto looks away to regard Itachi.
The other man's eyes are on him already. Guarded, but not unkind. When Naruto bites his lip, nervous and unsure how to proceed, Itachi walks over to him and cups his face. Naruto does his best not to flinch from his hold.
"So they left a mark." Itachi says lightly, even though Naruto can tell that he's incredibly disappointed.
"Yeah." Is all Naruto can say, hating how hoarse his voice sounds.
Itachi sighs, closing his eyes for a moment to will away whatever thought he had. When he opens them, they're sharp and focused, unlike a moment ago.
He's always been so frighteningly good at that.
Naruto feels strange and itchy, too caught up in memories he shouldn't be thinking about. He doesn't know what to do, so he sticks with what he knows best: lightening the mood.
"Sorry to run off your ride so quickly." He says, chuckling weakly. "I just have that effect on people, sometimes."
Itachi doesn't bite, of course, cause he's an overly serious asshole who's never any fun.
"Forgive him for leaving so hastily. " Itachi says, shaking his head. "Neji was deeply hurt when you left and still thinks himself the cause of it."
Great, now Naruto feels even more like an dick. Tch.
"That's not—"
"I know." Itachi replies, ever the mind reader. "You don't have to convince me of that." He pauses, looking away. "I know better than anyone why you chose to leave."
"Do you?" Naruto can't help but challenge. Towards the end, the two of them didn't talk as much, despite being so close when they were young children. It wasn't really Itachi's fault but Naruto's still bitter over it.
He has the right to feel the way he does, because Itachi treated him like a brother up until he didn't.
Naruto always knew that the group and its proceedings were more important that anything —especially such frivolities like friendship—but it took only once for Itachi to order him around like some mindless grunt before he realized he was as expendable as the rest of the ranks.
Naruto wasn't special to him, he was only convenient.
"I do." Itachi affirms, eyes hard. "And I'm not foolish enough to think I didn't contribute to it. It's one of the only things I truly regret."
Nope. He doesn't want to talk about this. Not now, not ever. There are more important things to worry about.
"That's cool, I guess," He says, edge in his voice sharper than he means it to be. Itachi narrows his eyes but says nothing. "But it's in the past. I...I have some business to take care of here and then I'll be out of your hair. This doesn't have to be a whole, big thing." He tries.
It can be in and out, low key. They don't have to dance this awkward dance of words unsaid and hurt feelings. But of course they will, cause he never gets what he wants.
"When is it not when you're involved, Naruto?" Itachi says, sighing in that longsuffering manner he's so good at. Naruto's sure that the other man doesn't mean it in a negative way, but he's already bristling and raw from Neji's reaction to his presence so he's not going to take that lying down.
"Alright." He says curtly, spinning on his heel. "Goodnight."
Kisame steps in front of him, crossing his arms. Naruto huffs, feeling caught between a rock and a hard place, so he swallows down something hateful and turns back to Itachi.
"Forgive me as well," Itachi says, looking slightly ashamed, "Since I've seemed to have lost my tact due to the surprise of seeing you tonight." Naruto still feels put out, but he nods without looking at him. Itachi sighs again, probably realizing that he won't win against Naruto's stubbornness. Not in this lifetime.
"Stay as long as you like. You don't need my permission or anyone else's. You'll always be welcome." Hmm. That's highly fucking debatable.
Then he says, quieter. "You're family."
Naruto can't help but protest immediately. "I'm not. Not anymore." Itachi tuts at him so he feels inclined to continue. "But thanks. I'll make sure to stay out of the way."
"Why are you convinced that you need to?" Itachi questions. Naruto can't tell if he's offended personally or if he feels it for the others who aren't present at the moment. Maybe a bit of both.
"So, you're going to lie and tell me that you weren't pissed when I disappeared?" Naruto questions with a snort. He can't believe he's having this conversation in the middle of the street so soon after returning. He was stupid to think all of this would settle with his dust.
"Anger was part of it." Itachi admits. He's usually not one to lie. "But do you really believe that's all it was? I was hurt, just like the others. I didn't notice how strange it was until I realized you weren't in the photos anymore. We were friends. That's what I assumed we were. Was I wrong?"
Oh, come off it! "Yeah. For a while, we were. And then everyone, and I mean everyone , starting switching up and I wasn't sticking around to see where the axe was falling next." Too much. He's saying too much. Shut the fuck up, Naruto! If you know what's good for you! "Besides, I know what happens to snitches and turncoats around here so let's not play this game, alright?"
"So, you're a snitch?" Kisame asks from behind him, obviously fishing for a bite.
Damn, Naruto played himself, huh? Almost made it seem like he's a Fed.
He recalls his mother's words about not letting anyone find out he works with cops occasionally. What a stupid way to almost tell on himself.
"Shut up." Itachi says tersely, shooting a warning look to Kisame that no doubt has him subtly quaking in his boots.
Naruto feels his brows raise at Itachi's tone. He's never heard him so curt with Kisame, but it make sense.
He personally had a hand in molding Naruto, in making him what he is now. It was already surprising for Sasuke and Itachi to share a favorite, so god forbid that favorite turn against them so thoroughly.
Even though he kind of already did.
"You seem strangely sure of that." Naruto says, feeling confused. Itachi's the most untrusting fucker he knows. How can he be so sure that Naruto isn't a dirty traitor, waiting for the right moment to strike?
People change, don't they? Or is he still so easily read?
Like a light switch, his anger turns off. He turns back to Naruto, collecting himself in no time flat.
"You don't have the patience for a long con, Naruto. Believe me."
He's not wrong.
But that's not what Itachi really wanted to say. So he continues, ignoring Naruto's subtle glances around them, looking for an escape.
"This business you spoke of…" Itachi says, trailing off to let Naruto fill in the blanks.
Naruto expected this. Itachi picks up on every minor detail. He wouldn't be where he is if he didn't. That, and he's nosey as fuck.
"I got it handled. It's fine." No, he doesn't. He's done jack shit for his investigation so far and this isn't helping.
"Is it so serious that you can't tell me?" Itachi asks, sounding the brother he used to be to him..
"I'm not sure yet." Naruto admits. He really can't say, since the girls have been going missing in Uchiha territory, which means that Haku could have gone missing there, too.
He hates that he's even suspicious of them, but like he said: nothing's off the table. But if Itachi knows something...
"If you need anything, ask. I won't hesitate to help within my means." Itachi says, clapping his shoulder with a firm hand.
His means are virtually endless, but Naruto won't fall for that. He knew they'd try to get him to owe a debt. He won't bite that easily.
"I'm good, thanks. You don't owe me anything." He must feel like he does, since Naruto kept Sasuke in check for so long, distracting him from burning down the town so the slightly less insane Uchiha's could take control of it.
Until even Naruto couldn't control him anymore, but none of them accounted for the leash to snap so soon or so violently.
Itachi shakes his head, squeezing his shoulder almost to the point of pain before letting up.
"I owe you plenty, but that's not the reason I'm offering." He looks away, eyes full of rare emotion. "Whatever you've gotten yourself into must be serious because I believe you wouldn't have come back into the Lion's den without a gun to your head."
He's got him there.
"And your silence confirms it." Itachi says, chuckling. Naruto feels a small smile bubbling despite himself. "I'll do my best to keep the others off your back."
Then he says, quieter, almost a whisper. Just for Naruto's ears: "You don't have to do anything you don't want to."
Naruto snorts, smirking because he just can't help it. "Since when?" He questions seriously, and even the wise Itachi has no answer.
He's offered a ride home in Itachi's sleek, black range rover. It's not really an offer and more of a demand; Itachi looked at him with that scary look of his and told him to get in the car. Naruto obliged willingly, only because he didn't feel like being humiliated and carried on Kisame's shoulder if he tried to refuse.
Hey, it's happened before.
They don't say much since Itachi chosen that now's the time to respect his privacy. He knows the older man is just itching to ask what he's been up to, why he's here, what he's going to do. But all Naruto gets is secret, imploring looks that he sees out of the corner of his eyes.
The ride should have already ended, being so close to this mother's house as they were, but they seem to have looped the block twice already.
"You holding me hostage?" He asks as a joke, even though he fears its true.
"No," Itachi tuts, rolling his eyes. "Kisame ensures that we aren't being followed. It nearly makes us late for everything, but it's a good habit to have."
"Oh. Okay." Is Naruto's reply, feeling like that should have been obvious.
"You'll be free of me soon, don't worry." Naruto can't tell if he's joking or not. Itachi's always been sensitive at the oddest of moments.
"I didn't —" He protests, feeling like a dick again even though he has the right to be guarded.
"It was a joke. Relax." Itachi mutters, chuckling. He sobers, looking at Naruto with warm eyes before he sighs heavily.
"It was good to see you." He says, and Naruto can say he honestly wasn't expecting that. All he did tonight was be a bit rude and aggressive. What's so good about that?
"Yeah. Good seeing you, too." Not really a lie, but not very true either.
Itachi knows this, smiling softly to himself. He passes a gentle hand over Naruto's scars again as the car slows down to a stop.
"You should go see him." Itachi mutters, barely above a whisper. Naruto feels his breath catch but he doesn't pull away despite his brain telling him to. "He won't want to hear that you're back from anyone else."
Naruto look out the window instead of answering, eyes focused on the porch of his old house where all three of them used to sit on hot, summer nights.
He sighs, shaking his head. His eyes make contact with Itachi through the reflection of the glass.
"He's gotten worse, hasn't he?" He finds himself asking. How could Sasuke not, when Naruto wasn't there to be the angel on his shoulder?
Angel? Ha. That's hardly what he was.
Regardless, Neji could only do so much alone. It was always a team effort to keep Sasuke off the edge.
"Incredibly." Itachi admits. His body sags after he says it, like it's been weighing on him for a long time. Of course it has, since Naruto's always been the keeper of all of their secrets.
He's been slacking, lately.
Too full of his own to carry anyone else's.
"Is it wrong to say that sometimes, I fear him?"
That's probably the most honest Itachi's been with himself in years. Naruto doesn't know what to make of that. Even the Great Demon Itachi, afraid of his own brother. Afraid that one day he's going to swallow them all whole.
Naruto snorts, turning to look at him as he opens the car door.
"No," he throws back over his shoulder, looking into Itachi's hooded eyes. The smile he shoots him is as empty as the gathering shadows. "I've always felt the same."